Are you a recent graduate passionate about cutting-edge biological research, computational biology, or machine learning? The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) in Norwich, UK, is now hiring a Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant for a one-year, full-time position – an ideal launchpad for aspiring PhD students seeking hands-on experience in machine vision, lab automation, and computational plant science.
🔍 About the Research Assistant Role
This is a unique opportunity to work at the crossroads of biology, computer science, and engineering. As a Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant, you’ll collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to design and implement custom imaging systems, Raspberry Pi-based automation tools, and machine learning pipelines for advanced research in plant-microbe interactions.
✅ Key Responsibilities
- Develop imaging systems using Raspberry Pi and open-source tools
- Create pipelines for image acquisition, processing, and machine learning
- Collaborate with biologists to support experimental research
- Produce technical documentation, SOPs, and user manuals
- Present findings at lab meetings and contribute to scientific publications
🧪 About The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL)
TSL is a world-renowned research institute focused on plant health, microbial interactions, and sustainable agriculture. With top-tier facilities and a collaborative culture, TSL offers an ideal environment for early-career scientists to thrive.
🚀 Project Highlights
As part of this innovative research role, you’ll contribute to:
- Monitoring microbial growth in real-time within incubators
- Automated phenotyping of plants in controlled environments
- Building custom imaging and sensing systems for plant-microbe studies
- Applying machine learning (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) for biological data analysis
🎓 Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or related field
- Proficiency in Python or equivalent programming languages
- A basic understanding of plant biology
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
🌟 Desirable Skills (Bonus Points)
- Hands-on experience with Raspberry Pi development
- Familiarity with OpenCV, image processing, or computer vision tools
- Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Previous experience in a research or laboratory automation setting
💼 Position Details
- Job Title: Pre-Doctoral Research Assistant
- Salary: £23,881 (TSL Grade 3, Spine Point 11)
- Contract: 1-Year Full-Time
- Location: The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
- Start Date: Immediate (flexible start options available)
🎁 Why Join TSL?
- 30 days of annual leave + UK public holidays
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities
- Mentorship from leading plant science experts
- Support for scientific writing and grant applications
- A vibrant and inclusive research community
- Generous pension scheme and training opportunities
📅 How to Apply
- Application Reference Code: DM01-2025
- Deadline: Applications will be reviewed starting 15th May 2025
- Final closing date: 15th June 2025 or until the position is filled
Submit your application via the APPLY NOW button, including:
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Cover letter (1 page) explaining your motivation and fit
- Contact information for 2–3 referees
For queries, contact: HR@TSL.ac.uk
🌿 About The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL)
Located in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, The Sainsbury Laboratory is a globally recognized leader in plant-microbe interaction research. TSL is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and plant health, providing a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative environment for scientists at all career stages.