Production Sequencing Lead

Basecamp Research; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity options

Strong healthcare package

Pension plan

Job summary

Basecamp Research in Greater London is seeking an operational lead for the Trillion Gene Atlas, responsible for managing the sample-to-sequence pipeline. You'll oversee throughput, translate R&D efforts into production, and lead a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-throughput sequencing environments, demonstrating strong leadership and a proven track record with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Join a passionate team that values impactful work and collective growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a high-throughput sequencing production environment.
• Expertise in both short-read and long-read sequencing technologies.
• Proven success with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies in a laboratory setting.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated sample processing workflows.
• Strong leadership skills in managing high-pressure production schedules.
• Familiarity with sample tracking and workflow management tools.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the sample-to-sequence pipeline for the Trillion Gene Atlas.
• Translate R&D protocols into robust production workflows.
• Implement continuous improvements in throughput and reduce variability.
• Monitor data input and ensure high-quality data processing.
• Lead and develop the production team to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Stay updated on emerging sequencing technologies for implementation.

Skills

Production-based environment experience

Familiarity with sequencing platforms

Lean / Six Sigma application

Laboratory automation experience

Team leadership

LIMS platforms experience

Technical transfer knowledge

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job description

About us

Basecamp Research is dedicated to solving major challenges in the life sciences by exploring Beyond Known Biology. Our teams build frontier AI models using BaseData, the world's largest ethically-sourced and globally representative biological dataset. Our Global Research Team collects and curates our own biological data through partnerships with more than 152 organizations in 28 countries, giving its AI access to genetic diversity that doesn't exist for models trained on public database sources. This enables Basecamp Research to design novel protein sequences and biological systems that can accelerate therapeutic research and development.

The Role

This role is the operational spine of the Trillion Gene Atlas. You will own the sample-to-sequence pipeline end-to-end, driving throughput, translating R&D into production, and leading the team that keeps the Atlas growing.

• Own the TGA production pipeline. Provide agile, end-to-end management of the sample processing pipeline across Phase 1 and Phase 2 - from DNA extraction through library preparation and sequencing dispatch. You set the pace and hold the targets.
• Lead technical transfer from R&D into production. Work closely with our R&D team to translate validated protocols into robust, scalable production workflows. You are the bridge between experimental and operational - ensuring new methods land cleanly and run reliably at volume.
• Drive continuous improvement. Apply Lean / Six Sigma principles to continuously improve turnaround times, reduce variability, and increase throughput. Identify bottlenecks, implement fixes, and build improvements back into the standard workflow.
• Monitor data input and pipeline health. Work with data suppliers and internal bioinformatics teams to ensure smooth, high-quality data return from sequencing partners. Track key metrics, flag issues early, and close the loop between production and downstream analysis.
• Lead and develop the production team. You will be the operational lead for the TGA lab team - managing day-to-day workflow, mentoring junior staff, and building a culture of precision, accountability, and pace as we scale through Phase 2.
• Horizon scan and deploy new technologies. Stay ahead of emergent sequencing technologies, automation platforms, and workflow innovations. Evaluate fit for TGA production targets and move and sync quickly to pilot and implement where there is clear operational value.

Required Skills and Experience

• 5+ years working in a production-based environment for high-throughput sequencing, with a confident track record running a small team to deliver high-impact work on time.
• Deep familiarity with short-read (Illumina / Ultima) and long-read (PacBio / Nanopore) platforms and library preparation workflows end-to-end.
• Demonstrable track record applying Lean / Six Sigma in a laboratory production setting - waste reduction, throughput improvement, SOP development.
• Experience with laboratory automation - developing, validating, and maintaining automated liquid handling and sample processing workflows.
• Strong team leadership capability - managing production schedules, resource allocation, and multi-person workflows under throughput pressure.
• Experience with LIMS platforms (Benchling or equivalent) for sample tracking and workflow management.
• Background in technical transfer and SOP writing for handoff between R&D and production teams.
• Comfort working across interdisciplinary teams, bioinformatics, data science, collaborations, to align production outputs with downstream analytical needs.

Advantageous Skills and Experience

• Hands-on DNA extraction experience across diverse sample types including soils, environmental, and biological matrices.
• Familiarity with multiplexed library preparation strategies for low-biomass and environmentally complex samples.
• Experience with metagenomic or environmental sequencing projects at scale.

What we offer in return

• Impactful Mission: This is a rare opportunity to do work that genuinely matters. You'll join a talented, fast-moving team, access unique biological datasets at scale, and see your contributions shape real breakthroughs in AI and curative therapeutics.
• Collaborative Culture: You'll be surrounded by world-class scientists, engineers, and researchers who care deeply about their work and about each other. With offices in Boston and London, we've built a flexible, cross-functional environment where personal development and real ownership aren't just talking points.
• High Growth: We truly believe in investing in our people and their development, we have twice yearly promotion opportunities. People who are really successful here own it and go directly to solve problems at pace and we ensure reward increases with impact.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We've built a benefits package people value. That means competitive salary, equity, pension plan, and healthcare so strong that most employees' family members opt into our plan over their own.

We are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of ethnic or national origin, race, religion, sex, age, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, gender identity or any other basis. If you have a disability or additional need that needs accommodating do let us know.