Scientist, DNA Extraction and Library Prep - Pathogen

Scientist – DNA Extraction & Library Preparation (Pathogen Research)

Location: Oxford, UK (on-site)

Contract: Permanent, full‑time

We’re supporting a mission‑led, well‑funded science and technology organisation working at the forefront of pathogen detection and metagenomic diagnostics.

This is a hands‑on laboratory role for an experienced Scientist with deep expertise in DNA extraction, library preparation, and molecular assay development
. You’ll play a key role in designing, executing, and benchmarking workflows that underpin next‑generation, automated pathogen sequencing systems intended for real‑world clinical and public health use.

This is applied, translational science. Your work will directly influence the performance, robustness, and scalability of diagnostic technologies.

• Designing and executing experiments to evaluate DNA extraction and library preparation workflows
• Developing and applying quantitative and qualitative assays to benchmark performance
• Working with real clinical and environmental samples, including low‑quality or contaminated material
• Identifying and quantifying contamination or carry‑over within complex molecular workflows
• Recording, analysing, and presenting experimental data clearly and rigorously
• Collaborating closely with scientists and engineers working on diagnostics workflows and instrumentation
• Ensuring methods are transferable between manual and automated sequencing systems

• PhD or equivalent experience in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
• Strong hands‑on experience with DNA extraction and molecular assay development
• Experience with library preparation and sequencing workflows (long‑read experience a plus)
• Ability to design, optimise, and troubleshoot assays independently
• Comfortable working with clinical or real‑world biological samples
• Strong attention to data quality, contamination control, and reproducibility
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in small, agile, cross‑disciplinary teams

• Work on technologies with direct impact on infectious disease detection and public health
• Translational science with a clear path from lab to deployment
• High‑quality facilities and strong long‑term funding
• Close collaboration with engineering and product teams
• Real ownership over assay performance and workflow optimisation

• Predominantly on‑site role based in Oxford
• Permanent right to work in the UK required (sponsorship considered case by case)

If you’re a hands‑on scientist who enjoys solving real‑world molecular biology problems and wants your work to make a tangible difference beyond the lab, this role is well worth a conversation.