The Role
As part of the BBSRC-funded Transformative Research Technologies (24TRT) DETAIL project, we are pursuing early-stage development of cutting-edge invertebrate biomonitoring technologies with transformative potential for nationwide surveillance. In collaboration with partners from Lancaster University, the Natural History Museum, London and Fera we are creating an analytical pipeline that integrates high-throughput DNA sequencing with automated image analysis of invertebrates to accelerate the development of labelled training libraries, with a focus on agricultural entomology. This has the potential to revolutionsie biodiversity biomonitoring and the surveillance of pest species.
We require a Research Technician to support the work of (leader of the Network Ecology Group) in the to undertake DNA metabarcoding of bulk samples to validate mock inverebrate community identification after undergoing automated image analyses. This is a key component of the ‘High-Throughput Molecular Labelling to Train Image Classifiers’ project and requires bespoke data management and bioinformatics approaches.
The Technician will have use of state-of-the-art equipment in the SNES Molecular Diagnostics Facility. With a proven track record in the fields of entomology and molecular ecology, relevant invertebrate handling and identification skills, and experience of scientific publishing, the Research Technician will play an intregal role as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes data and AI scientists, experimental biologists, ecologists and agricultural entomologists working on real-world invertebrate biomonitoring schemes.
This is a fixed-term appointment (18 months) starting 1st December 2025 (Spine point 24: £33,002 pro rata) and on a part-time basis.
Applicants should send a CV and covering letter outlining their relevant skills and experience to date as part of the application process.
For informal enquiries, contact Prof. Darren Evans (Email: ).
Key Accountabilities
The Research Technician will play a key part in achieving the following objectives:
1. Extracting DNA from insect bulk samples using advanced metabarcoding techniques and preparing libraries for sequencing using the Newcastle Core Genomics Facility;
2. Extracting, demultiplexing and processing invertebrate DNA sequence data using appropriate bioinformatics pipelines;
3. Formatting sequencing data for molecular labelling to train image classifiers;
4. Contributing ideas and suggestions to the DETAIL workflow, including problem solving;
5. Assisting in the preparation and writing of reports and manuscripts as part of the project tasks and milestones.
The Person (Essential)
6. A working knowledge of agricultural entomology and biomonitoring in a contemporary policy context.
7. Trained invertebrate taxonomy skills
8. Proven track record of invertebrate DNA metabarcoding, sequencing, and bioinformatics processing for identification purposes
9. Proven ability to write and publish reports/papers to the highest standards
10. Experience of community data processing, analysis and database management
11. Working towards or nearing completion of a PhD in biology/ecology/conservation biology
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
12. Knowledge of agricultural entomology, ecosystem services and nationwide biomonitoring and surveillance schemes
13. Experience of working with a diverse group of people interested in merging data science and AI with molecular ecology to develop new biomonitoring technologies.
14. Good level of analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and through the written word
15. Experience of the scientific publishing processes
16. Experience of good laboratory practices, SOPs and Health and Safety
17. Experience in science communication and public engagement
Attributes and Behaviour
18. The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems.
19. Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
20. The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, including the development of internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas of study
21. Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
22. A commitment to Open Science
Qualifications
23. Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area
24. Working towards or nearing completion of PhD in relevant subject/area
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28835