OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

This is a technical role which will involve supporting the scientific staff at Fixed-Phage. Apart from assisting in the execution of commercial projects, the successful candidate will also oversee an internal project during this 10 week placement, which is based in Glasgow. The role will be primarily lab-based, involving the use of standard biology lab techniques as well as unique Fixed-Phage technology.

Job description

Project Description

The Fixed-Phage lab comprises a small team of scientists working on a number of projects at different stages. This involves dividing up work across projects and prioritising it according to deadlines. Both commercial and internal research projects are carried out, varying from initial phase proofs of principle to product optimisation. A major objective of the placement will be to integrate the intern into the science team. The successful candidate will provide support to the other members of staff in the lab, helping them achieve commercial project goals. Apart from this, the intern will conduct an internal research project concerning phage biology and immobilisation technology, helping Fixed-Phage build on its knowledge base whilst also providing him/her with invaluable experience.

In supporting the laboratory staff, the successful candidate will carry out a range of biology lab procedures. These will involve the use of techniques such as bacterial and viral culturing, media preparation, PCR and Gel electrophoresis as well as use of Fixed-Phage immobilisation technology (training will be provided where necessary). Other roles will include maintaining stock levels of materials and chemicals, as well as contributing to the general upkeep of the laboratory.

The successful candidate will use the lab skills obtained to assist with commercial projects, as well as to carry out the internal research project (the exact subject matter of the work will be decided on by the science team together with the intern). Writing will also represent a key aspect of this placement. The intern will be required to design the experiment and write a detailed work plan. Experiment results will be presented in the form of a report. All lab work will need to be recorded accurately within a logbook.

Qualifications

This placement is part of The Scottish Life Sciences Internship Programme. The programme is only open to students in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year, who are studying an undergraduate Life Science Degree in Scotland. Candidates will be reviewed by their CV only, and can apply for a maximum of three placements. For more information please visit: Programme Overview

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Relevant Life sciences degree (microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry or a related area)
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft office applications

Desirable Skills

• Laboratory experience
• Experience studying and working with bacteriophages

Benefits

Company benefits

Fixed-Phage is a small-sized biotech company which is currently expanding and is expected to grow significantly over the coming years. With the help of the technology it has developed, the company is confident of establishing itself as a major player in the application of bacteriophages for various industrial sectors. Currently, the company comprises less than ten employees, making for a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will find a friendly and accommodating working environment. Based in Glasgow.

Placement benefits

The successful candidate can expect to benefit from the following: Training from experienced industry scientists Experience from an all-encompassing role Being given responsibility to oversee a project Working as part of a small team where employees feel valued

Additional information

Location: Glasgow

Planned interview date: April 11th - 15th (TBC)

Preferred start date: July 4th (flexible)

Company information

Fixed-Phage is a bacteriophage-based biotechnology company actively working with commercial partners to produce intellectual property and address specific problems. The company has developed exclusive technologies for the immobilisation (and stabilisation) of bacteriophages onto any type of solid surface, effectively providing specific antibacterial properties. This has wide-ranging applications in a multitude of areas, such as food packaging, aquaculture and domestic hygiene.

Company sector: Life Sciences

Company website: www.fixed-phage.com