Ancient-DNA Commercialisation Developer

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here  

The Role and Department

We are seeking to hire a Developer in ancient DNA commercialisation to help collecting and analysing market research data for the development of a business case. The role is full-time, but flexible working arrangements, requests for part-time work and potential job shares will be also considered. The post could be in person but also online or hybrid. 

The Department of Archaeology has been ranked among the top 10 Archaeology Department in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023 and has been frequently ranked as one of the bests in the UK (The Times and Sunday times Good University Guide 2024 and the Complete University Guide 2024). The Department is one of the largest Archaeology Departments in the world and has an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Having undergone a £3.2 refurbishment, the Department is one of the most comprehensively equipped departments in the UK. The facilities include internationally renowned scientific research laboratories, including the state-of-the-art ancient DNA laboratories inaugurated in 2016 (https://www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology/facilities_services/laboratories/221/).

The Role

Applications are invited for a Developer in ancient DNA commercialisation. The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Eva Fernandez-Dominguez in the collection and analysis of market data aimed to support a business case for the creation of an ancient DNA analytical and consultancy service in the Department of Archaeology. This post is funded with the Consultancy and CPD Seedcorn Fund from Research and Impact Services at Durham University.

The successful applicant will be expected to identify potential customers for ancient DNA analytical services and ancient DNA courses, create tailored market surveys and analyse their outputs and provide an accurate costing of laboratory procedures and products offered as part of the service.

This post is full time and fixed term for 3 months, part-time over a longer period, of a maximum of 6 months, would be considered. The funding is available for this fixed period only.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality,  diversity and inclusion 

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification  
  
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.    
  
Your application should cover the following criteria:  

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1.     A good first degree in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, Anthropology, Scientific Archaeology or related disciplines *

2.     A PhD (or be close to submission) in ancient DNA or a closely related subject *

3.     Demonstrable experience in working in an ancient DNA laboratory and analysing/interpreting ancient DNA data *

4.     Strong publication record in ancient DNA

5.     Experience in multidisciplinary collaborations

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6.     Native or proficient in English language*

7.     Knowledge of protocols of work in an ancient DNA laboratory: sample preparation, DNA extraction, library preparation, quantification and amplification*

8.     Knowledge of specialised software for ancient DNA data analysis*

9.     Knowledge of statistic tools for basic data analysis*

10.  Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

11.  Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications and online meeting software

12.  Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. 

Desirable Criteria

1.     Experience in market research.

2.     Experience in designing and/or delivering teaching contents in ancient DNA

3.     Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent work

4.     Knowledge of a second language.

How to Apply   

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
  
Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
  

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Dr Eva Fernández- Domínguez

Associate Professor in ancient DNA

[email protected]

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.  The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to the appointment committee in the Department followed by an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place the same day around January 2024. 

Typical Role Requirements  
Service Delivery/Development

·       Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

·       To identify and compile a list of potential national and international customers for analytical/consultancy services and training courses in ancient DNA.

·       To launch market surveys for analytical, consultancy and training services in ancient DNA to be sent to identified potential customers.

·       To identify potential competitors and collect data on services offered.

·       To produce an accurate cost estimate for the analytical, consultancy and training products offered.

·       To search and compile the current offer and pricing of ancient DNA training courses. 

·       Provide specialist advice and guidance relating to your professional area of expertise, in line with the University’s policies, regulations and values.

·       Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from stakeholders and contribute to ideas and project improvements.

·       Provide specialist knowledge and support when interpreting and analysing complex data and information sources including survey data.

·       Look for ways to improve processes, techniques and outputs/results across all areas of your work.

Planning and Organisation

·       Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your project, assisting with the development of objectives and proposals.

·       Seek feedback from stakeholders so that the project is being adapted to meet customer expectations and to plan future requirements.

Analyse collected data  and make recommendations to the Grant-holder based upon your findings.

Communication/Liaison

·       Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University’s policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.

·       Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.

·       Use your expertise to provide guidance to other stakeholders.

·       Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.

·       Any other reasonable duties.

  
Useful links

  
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.