Scientist, DNA Extraction and Library Prep - Pathogen

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

Job summary

A leading research institute in Oxford seeks a Scientist in DNA Extraction and Library Preparation to support innovative pathogen detection research. The successful candidate will design and execute assays within a collaborative team environment, focusing on molecular techniques to inform infectious disease diagnosis and treatment. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and collaboration in a cutting-edge research setting.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electrical Car Scheme

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with specialization in assay development.
• Hands-on experience in molecular assay development and associated data analysis.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques: spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments and undertake assays for quantifying module performance.
• Prepare and present results for development of assays.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure transferability between manual and automated workflows.

Skills

Molecular assay development

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Spectrophotometry

Fluorometry

Microscopy

qPCR

RT-qPCR

Job description

Led by a world‑class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose‑built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

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.

Position: Scientist - DNA Extraction and Library Preparation

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 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 ensure that appropriate methods for benchmarking are conserved and transferable between manual and automated workflows

Requirements

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/fluorescent
• 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 poly‑nucleotides, 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

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