Scientist

Your key responsibilities will involve developing methods for the successful generation of genetically engineered ticks.

Working under the guidance of the Strain Development Team Lead you will:

• Join a small team tasked with developing the transformation methods necessary to generate self-limiting ticks.
• Generate self-limiting strains and assess them against Flyttr’s target product profile metrics.
• Conduct experiments according to specified protocols.
• Design and run experiments independently, but in full alignment with program goals and with the endorsement of your line manager and Team Leader.
• Characterise the behaviour and biology of transgenic strains.
• Maintain insect life stages.
• Ensure that processes, methods, and experiments are well designed and focused on delivering results and progress, measurable against the project goals.
• Carry out literature reviews to guide experimental testing: collect, analyse, and interpret data.
• Carefully record data and document activities and processes within laboratory books or other applicable records.
• Manage and train any direct report in line with SOPs and training records.
• Manage members of the team and act as their daily point of contact.
• Maintain up to date health and safety records and updating SOPs, COSHH and risk assessments.
• Provide clear communication regarding outcomes of processes, experiments, and planning with the Team Lead.
• Report data in meetings throughout the organisation, to audiences with various technical knowledge, and write clear and concise reports for internal review.
• Have a clear understanding of the commercial impact of the work and responsibilities and strive to optimise performance.
• Support the smooth running of the laboratory, ordering supplies. Servicing equipment, maintaining tidiness, improving processes, and compliance to established procedures, regulations, and health and safety. Observing daily processes and identifying points for improvement.
• Follow Health & Safety and containment requirements for all activities.
• Provide occasional weekend support as part of a rota within the R&D team.
• Work professionally alongside any partner organisation e.g. Roslin Institute

• A BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g. entomology, biology, biochemistry).
• Track record of scientific diligence including valuing careful generation and recording of data, demonstrating good laboratory practices, including following SOPs.
• Experience with animal husbandry and/or insect colonies is desirable.
• Experience with insect/arthropod transformation is highly desirable.
• Demonstrate technical abilities appropriate for the role.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential.
• Experience in managing direct reports effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders including junior and senior staff members.
• Strong attention to detail, with excellent timekeeping standards and responsiveness.
• Proficiency in R/R Studio or Excel and experience in using statistics is highly desirable.

• Commitment to, and passion for, the Flyttr 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.
• Works with urgency and solves things promptly.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.
• Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable building processes from scratch.
• Values collaboration and works effectively with global colleagues.

Please note that this is a Fixed Term position until 10th August 2027.

Flyttr is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.