Research Scientist

Oxford Nanopore Technologies; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in biotechnology is seeking an experienced Research Scientist to join its Sequencing Methods Research team. The role involves advancing Nanopore technologies through innovative research in functional genomics. Candidates should have a strong background in molecular biology, be proficient in data analysis, and have an interest in scripting. Outstanding benefits and a dynamic environment await the successful applicant.

Benefits

Attractive bonus

Generous pension contributions

Private healthcare

Excellent starting salary

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, or M.Sc. with relevant research experience.
• Proven background in molecular biology, particularly in nucleic acid handling.
• Willingness to develop proficiency in Python and Bash scripting.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of DNA/RNA sequencing libraries using established and novel chemistries.
• Developing and optimizing molecular biology protocols, including Nanopore sequencing.
• Collaboration across teams and providing technical guidance to interns.

Skills

Molecular biology

Nucleic acid handling

Bioinformatics

Data visualization

Python

Bash scripting

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

M.Sc. in relevant field

B.Sc. with industrial research experience

Job description

Job Description

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe.

Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.

Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!

We're currently looking for an experience Research Scientist to join our Sequencing Methods Research team. The Sequencing Methods Research team plays a crucial role in advancing Nanopore technologies further, to drive advances in functional genomics such as epigenetics, long-read transcriptomics, and epitranscriptomics.

The Details...

This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to groundbreaking research projects that leverage advanced molecular biology, synthetic biology, and AI/ML-driven design methods. Our team closely collaborates with our internal Machine Learning and Biomolecule Synthesis groups, contributing to our integrated company-wide multidisciplinary research efforts.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Preparation of DNA/RNA sequencing libraries using established and novel chemistries.
• Developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting molecular biology protocols, including Nanopore sequencing.
• Preliminary data analysis, quality control, and data visualization using basic bioinformatics tools.
• Contributing to project planning and execution within our agile research environment.
• Collaborating effectively with multiple teams across Oxford Nanopore.
• Providing supportive technical guidance and mentorship to interns and junior colleagues.
• Staying updated on the latest developments and scientific literature relevant to sequencing technology and molecular biology.
  
  
  

Essential Skills

What We're Looking For…

• Recently completed PhD or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology or M.Sc. with relevant research experience, or B.Sc. with at least a couple of years of industrial research experience.
• Proven background in molecular biology, particularly in nucleic acid handling.
• Familiarity or willingness to develop proficiency in Python and Bash scripting.
  
  
  

Desirable Skills

• Experience with DNA/RNA sequencing technologies, including library preparation.
• Direct experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms and kits.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of Nanopore sensing technology and current capabilities.
• Familiarity with computational tools for bioinformatics analyses and data visualization.
• Knowledge of functional genomics, including nucleotide modifications and genome regulation.
  
  
  

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

About Us

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.