Scientist, DNA Extraction and Library Prep - Pathogen

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Oxford is seeking a Scientist specializing in DNA Extraction and Library Preparation to support its Pathogen Programme. The successful candidate will design and conduct assays related to pathogen detection, requiring collaboration with various specialists. A PhD in Biochemistry or Chemistry is essential, along with hands-on molecular assay development experience. The role offers a dynamic working environment with a focus on innovation and impactful research.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field.
• Hands-on experience of molecular assay development.
• Experience in identifying non nucleic acid analyte contamination.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments for quantifying modules performance.
• Prepare and present results for assays.
• Collaborate with diagnostics teams.

Skills

Molecular assay development

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or Chemistry

Tools

Spectrophotometry

Microscopy

qPCR

Job description

Overview

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT’s transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle’s cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.

EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

Role

We are seeking a Scientist - DNA Extraction and Library Preparation to support research and product development within EIT Oxford’s Pathogen Programme. 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.

You will work with both standardised and clinical samples to help inform the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in humans. The role involves close collaboration with scientists and engineers in small, agile teams to deliver key project milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Design experiments, undertake standardised chemical or enzymatic assays or develop novel methods and metrics, where necessary, for quantifying modules 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 ensure that appropriate methods for benchmarking are conserved and transferable between manual and automated workflows

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

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

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 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

Key Attributes

• Scientific and Technical Expertise
• Expertise in nucleic acid quantification from various biosamples (e.g. 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 (e.g. spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture).
• Track record of innovation (e.g. commercial products, patents and/or publications).

Team Working and Project Management

• 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.

Soft Skills

• 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.

We offer the following benefits:

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

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.