Scientist II, Advanced Research

NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.; Babraham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc. in Cambridge, UK, seeks a Scientist for a fixed-term contract through 2027 to develop MRD detection tech from early research through optimization and viability assessment.

This onsite role requires hands-on NGS and collaboration with computational colleagues. You will refine experiments, perform complex library prep, cfDNA extractions, and analyze sequencing data, while maintaining precise records for regulatory purposes.

Qualifications

• PhD strongly preferred in Life, Physical or Computer Science.
• At least two years of applied experience with Molecular (NGS) platform and assay development.
• Hands-on next generation sequencing library preparation experience is essential.
• Experience with cell-free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred.
• Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred.
• Strong practical laboratory skills, particularly in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology.

Responsibilities

• Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method.
• Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows.
• Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions.
• Diagnose and resolve experimental problems, distinguishing true method limitations from technical artifact, contamination, or workflow error; escape appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues, contributing to the definition of analytical requirements for the method.
• Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous experimental records to a standard suitable for regulatory and patent purposes.

Skills

Hands-on lab skills

Troubleshooting complex experiments

Collaboration with computational team

Data analysis mindset

Education

PhD in Life/Physical/Computer Science

Tools

NGS library preparation

cfDNA extraction / low input

UMI sequencing / error suppression

Job description

Are you motivated to participate in a dynamic, multi-tasking environment? Do you want to join a company that invests in its employees? Are you seeking a position where you can use your skills while continuing to be challenged and learn? Then we encourage you to dive deeper into this opportunity.

NeoGenomics is looking for a Scientist who wants to learn to continue to learn in order to allow our company to grow. This is an onsite position in Cambridge, UK with a Monday - Friday, day shift. This is a fixed term contract position through 2027 and possibly beyond.

Now that you know what we're looking for in talent, let us tell you why you'd want to work at NeoGenomics:

As an employer, we promise to provide you with a purpose driven mission in which you have the opportunity to save lives by improving patient care through the exceptional work you perform. Together, we will become the world's leading cancer reference laboratory.

Position Summary

As a Scientist you will work within a small early research team developing next generation technologies for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients using circulating tumor DNA. The primary objective of this role is to advance a novel MRD detection method from early research through optimization to a clear assessment of technical viability.

This is a hands-on laboratory role. It requires strong practical next generation sequencing skills with an emphasis on novel library preparation methods, rigorous experimental design, and the ability to work closely with computational team members, translating method requirements into analytical specifications and jointly troubleshooting discrepancies between wet lab and computational results.

Responsibilities

• Refine and execute program of research and optimization experiments for a novel cell free DNA MRD detection method
• Independently perform complex and novel library preparation and next generation sequencing workflows
• Perform supporting work such as blood processing and cfDNA extractions
• Diagnose and resolve experimental problems, distinguishing true method limitations from technical artifact, contamination, or workflow error; escape appropriately and in a timely manner
• Analyze and interpret sequencing data in collaboration with computational colleagues, contributing to the definition of analytical requirements for the method
• Maintain complete, accurate and contemporaneous experimental records to a standard suitable for regulatory and patent purposes

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Advanced degree, PhD strongly preferred in Life, Physical or Computer Science
• At least two years of applied experience with Molecular (NGS) platform and assay development
• Hands-on next generation sequencing library preparation experience is essential
• Experience with cell-free DNA, low input library preparation, UMI sequencing, or other error suppression approaches is strongly preferred
• Experience in cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy or ctDNA analysis preferred
• Strong practical laboratory skills, particularly in NGS library construction and quantitative molecular biology
• Working knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and to identify the likely source of an unexpected result