Scientist, DNA Extraction and Library Prep - Pathogen

Scientist, DNA Extraction and Library Prep – Pathogen

Location:

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Job is offered by Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT). This is a lab‑based role focused on designing, executing %+and reporting on assays that measure the performance of individual components within novel, automated metagenomic pathogen‑detection workflows.

EIT is a leading institute that translates scientific discovery into real‑world impact. The Pathogen Project aims to transform pathogen risk management, detection and response by leveraging whole‑genome sequencing for metagenomic and pathogen‑specific analytics.

The Scientist – DNA Extraction and Library Preparation will support research and product development within the EIT Oxford Pathogen Programme.

• Design experiments, undertake standardised chemical or enzymatic assays or develop novel methods and metrics for quantifying module performance within a workflow
• Prepare, record and present results for quantitative and qualitative assays and development
• Work in partnership with the diagnostics workflow, fluidics and instrumentation teams to'ils methods for benchmarking are conserved and transferable between manual and automated workflows

• PhD or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with specialisation in assay development and validation
• Hands‑on experience of molecular expenditure and associated data analysis
• Experience in identifying and quantifying non‑nucleic acid analyte contamination
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques: spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy light/fluorescence
• Experience in undertaking complex manual molecular workflows / protocols

• Experience in quantitative and qualitative assay development and implementation e.g. qPCR, RT‑qPCR, FISH, ELISA
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments to characterise polynucleotides, enzymes and other analytes
• Understanding of, and experience with, library preparation and sequencing with Oxford Nanopore products
• Experience working with low‑quality or chemically contaminated samples
• Experience in flow cytometry, FACS and/or cell sorting

• Expertise in nucleic acid quantification from various biosamples (blood, saliva, tissue, stool, environmental samples)
• Experience in quantifying chemical contaminant carry‑over in complex laboratory workflows
• Familiarity with biosafety and sterile technique for working with human or high‑path environmental samples
• Proficiency in molecular/microbiology techniques (spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy, qPCR, RT‑PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture)
• Track record of innovation (commercial products, patents and/or publications)

• Ability to manage elements of a project and collaborate with internal stakeholders
• Experience managing or mentoring a small number of junior scientists in a team

• Strong problem‑solving mindset with a hands‑on, experimental approach
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences
• Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks, and work on multiple projects simultaneously

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate)