R&D Technician (1 year contract)

Fixed-term (United Kingdom), Full-time · Guildford

28,000 £ per year

The role

NatureMetrics is a global leader in biodiversity MRV and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, transforming the scale at which nature can be quantified. Our cutting-edge solutions enable organisations to monitor nature impact across sectors, from conservation to industry, and inform sustainability decisions with unprecedented accuracy. With a strong market leading position, NatureMetrics has established a robust client base and developed a proprietary software platform that makes biodiversity insights accessible, actionable, and scalable. As Earthshot Prize Finalists 2024, BloombergNEF Pioneers 2024, and World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers 2024, we have the potential and the opportunity to change the way organizations operate.

As we enter a new phase of rapid global growth, we are seeking a R&D technician to support our team to develop, validate and standardise protocols for new scalable biodiversity monitoring products for monitoring terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

Carrying out surveys to collect environmental samples from field sites, ensuring proper handling, labelling, and transportation to maintain sample integrity.

Deploy and maintain field equipment, ensuring proper calibration, troubleshooting minor issues, and reporting any malfunctions.
Maintain accurate records of field sampling activities, locations, and environmental conditions to support data integrity.
Communicate effectively with project teams to coordinate field activities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and sampling schedules
Conduct laboratory analyses of samples using established protocols, including DNA extraction from environmental samples (eg. soil, water, air), QC testing, PCR/qPCR and High-Throughput Sequencing
Recommend possible solutions and perform basic troubleshooting when encountering technical issues in the lab, escalating complex problems when necessary.
Support laboratory operations by assisting with sample check-in, maintaining clean laboratory areas and performing other lab-based duties as required
Maintain accurate records on internal sample tracking systems and electronic laboratory notebook systems to ensure traceability and compliance
Adhere to laboratory protocols and ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety standards (eg. COSHH, risk assessments, and occupational health and safety legal requirements).
Monitor consumable usage and support senior laboratory staff in inventory management

About you

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive individual with a passion for wildlife, strong fieldwork experience, and a keen interest in ecological research. You’ll be someone who works well in a team, is reliable, and has a positive attitude—essential qualities for fieldwork, where teamwork and adaptability are key.

Experience and Qualifications

A degree or qualification in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related discipline is desirable, though equivalent fieldwork experience will also be considered.
Experience working with environmental DNA (eDNA) or in a molecular biology laboratory is advantageous but not essential

Specialist Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Experience in conducting fieldwork is essential, including carrying out surveys, and following standard sampling protocols to ensure sample integrity.
Ability to work effectively in outdoors in various field conditions, sometimes requiring travel within the UK and open to working flexible hours.
Strong record-keeping and data management skills to ensure traceability and compliance with protocols.
Understanding of health and safety regulations, including COSHH, risk assessments, and best practices for both field and laboratory work.
Experience in laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, QC testing, and High-Throughput Sequencing is beneficial but not essential.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team.

What's in it for you

Competitive Salary
Impactful work with a purpose-driven team
Flexible work arrangements
Opportunities for professional growth
Benefits package including salary sacrifice pension scheme prioritising sustainability; life assurance; Health insurance; Enhanced annual leave; Cycle to Work Scheme; enhanced family friendly policy.

Why us?

At NatureMetrics diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to the communities we work with. Our values leave no space for stereotypes. We are all unique and pull together for a common purpose.

We're a dynamic team passionate about nature and biodiversity and we take immense pride in our work and our impact. Join us on this journey!

Apply for this job

About us

Backed by ambitious investors, we're on a mission to make biodiversity measurable at scale to underpin global goals and accelerate finance into nature. NatureMetrics combines tech and AI to derive simple insights from the full complexity of nature on the ground.

We're a dynamic team passionate about nature and biodiversity and we take immense pride in our work and our impact. Join us on this journey!

Apply for this job

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Thank you for your interest in NatureMetrics. Please fill out the following short form. Should you have difficulties with the upload of your data, please send an email to careers@naturemetrics.co.uk.