Scientist (Rearing Development)

at  Oxitec

ABOUT US

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground-breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably, and safely, control insects that transmit diseases and destroy crops. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that insects pose to human health and the global food supply.
Whilst what we do relates to developing insect control technologies, Oxitec is about people and is in service to people.
We are strongly committed to a set of values, principles, and behaviours, and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability. Click here to learn more, and here to read our CEO’s blog about trust and our culture.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Educated to BSc/MSc level in a relevant life science discipline or equivalent experience;
• Previous experience working in a life science industrial setting is strongly preferred with insect rearing expertise desirable;
• Strong understanding of statistical methodology and principals;
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders including management, engineers, scientists, and technical staff;
• Robust to feedback, showing self-awareness of strengths and areas for improvement;
• Must be diligent and organised, with data recording abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and within a team;
• Demonstrate integrity through consistency of actions, values, expectations, and outcomes;
• Good written English and oral communication skills;
• Competent in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

BEHAVIOURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Committed to and passionate about the Oxitec mission and values;
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in-line with business requirements;
• Positive, humble, co-operative and professional always;
• Work with a sense of urgency and solve things promptly;
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment;
• Decisive and assertive with a driven and proactive approach;
• Ability to work with people, showing a spirit of inclusiveness, adapting to, and respecting others, supporting the team.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

We are seeking a highly motivated and capable Scientist to join a dynamic project team dedicated to the advancement of our self-limiting technology in insect species that are agricultural pests or vectors of disease and of public health importance.
You will join our Development Team, who are focussed on the invention and validation of new processes and equipment that allow us to rear and deploy world-leading quantities of high-quality insects.
You will be one of our technical experts, responsible for driving the experimental design and execution of tests to validate novel processes and equipment for insect rearing and deployment. You will also play an active leadership role in ensuring a clean, safe and efficient working environment for the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design experiments to interrogate the performance of our insects in new processes and equipment;
• Be accountable for running experiments according to agreed protocols, to facilitate organizational learning;
• Excellent lab book maintenance, carefully recording data, documenting activities and processes;
• Interpret experimental data to steer design and testing of evolving systems using accepted statistical methods;
• Work closely alongside the engineering team to allow rapid feedback on their designs and prototypes;
• Clearly communicate, in written, oral and PowerPoint formats, the outcomes of experiments and future plans to the broader group to assure coordinated efforts;
• Carry out literature reviews to guide experimental testing;
• Maintain insect colonies for experimental testing;
• Assist with maintaining up to date health and safety records and writing and updating SOPs and risk assessments;
• Coach junior staff members to help ensure proficiency in lab procedures, health and safety and housekeeping;
• Contribute to maintaining an organised work environment, including cleaning, washing up equipment and removing waste;
• Provide occasional weekend support as part of a rota within the R&D team.