Laboratory Technician_NGS & Molecular Biology

Skan Research Trust; Attibele; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Skan Research Trust in Karnataka, India, seeks a Laboratory Technician with hands-on molecular biology and NGS experience to support genomics and microbiome research by preparing NGS libraries, operating sequencing instruments, and performing molecular assays.

You will also carry out primary bioinformatics analysis and ensure adherence to quality, biosafety, and documentation standards in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Biotechnology or related life sciences.
• Hands-on Illumina NGS library prep experience.
• Experience with library preparation for WGS, WES, targeted panels, 16S.
• Experience operating MiSeq/NextSeq.
• Experience performing Sanger sequencing.
• Experience RT-qPCR assays.
• Ability to perform primary analysis of sequencing data.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Illumina NGS libraries for WGS, WES, panels, and 16S.
• Nucleic acid extraction, QC, and library normalization.
• Operate MiSeq and NextSeq, setup runs, maintenance.
• Perform Sanger sequencing workflows.
• Run RT-qPCR assays for research and diagnostics.
• Conduct primary analysis: demultiplexing, QC, alignment, reports.
• Maintain equipment, SOPs, and inventory.
• Ensure safety, biosafety and quality-management procedures.
• Support ongoing research projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Sequencing workflow management

Troubleshooting skills

Communication skills

Willingness to learn new techniques

Education

BSc/MSc in Biotechnology

Tools

Bioinformatics tools (BWA, GATK, QIIME2, Kraken2, MetaPhlAn, FastQC, MultiQC)

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Laboratory Technician with hands‑on experience in molecular biology and next‑generation sequencing (NGS). The successful candidate will support genomics and microbiome research by performing NGS library preparation, operating sequencing instruments, conducting molecular assays, and carrying out primary bioinformatics analysis. The candidate should be capable of independently handling laboratory workflows while ensuring compliance with quality standards and laboratory best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality Illumina NGS libraries for a variety of sequencing applications, including:
  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
  • Whole Exome Sequencing (WES)
  • Targeted Gene Panel Sequencing
  • 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
• Perform nucleic acid extraction (silica & magnetic bead based), quantification, quality assessment, library normalization, pooling, and quality control using standard molecular biology techniques.
• Independently operate Illumina sequencing platforms, including MiSeq and NextSeq, including instrument setup, sequencing run initiation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Perform Sanger sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and data quality assessment.
• Perform quantitative real‑time PCR (RT-qPCR) assays for research and diagnostic applications.
• Conduct primary analysis of NGS data, including:
  • Demultiplexing
  • Sequence quality assessment
  • Read alignment
  • Generation of sequencing quality metrics
  • Preparation of preliminary analysis reports
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, consumables, and inventory.
• Prepare and maintain accurate laboratory documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality control records.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety, biosafety, and quality management procedures.
• Assist in routine laboratory operations and support ongoing research projects.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree (B.Sc./M.Sc.) in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience in preparation of Illumina NGS libraries.
• Experience with library preparation for:
  • Whole Genome Sequencing
  • Whole Exome Sequencing
  • Targeted Gene Panels
  • 16S Amplicon Sequencing
• Experience in independently operating Illumina sequencing platforms such as MiSeq and/or NextSeq.
• Experience performing Sanger sequencing.
• Experience performing RT-qPCR assays.
• Knowledge of DNA/RNA extraction, quantification, quality control, and molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to perform primary analysis of sequencing data using standard bioinformatics software and pipelines.
• Good laboratory documentation, sample archiving/storage and record‑keeping skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience operating automated liquid handling systems for NGS library preparation.
• Familiarity with basic microbiological culture techniques, including aseptic handling and bacterial culture.
• Experience in secondary and advanced bioinformatics analysis for:
  • Whole genome sequencing
  • Whole exome sequencing
  • Microbiome sequencing
  • Metabolomics datasets
• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments and basic scripting.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools such as BWA, GATK, QIIME2, Kraken2, MetaPhlAn, FastQC, MultiQC, or similar software.
• Experience working in accredited or quality‑controlled molecular biology laboratories or academic labs.

Desired Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory quality.
• Ability to independently manage sequencing workflows from sample preparation to primary data analysis.
• Good troubleshooting and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 2(Bachelors) 4(Masters) years of hands‑on experience in molecular biology and NGS laboratory workflows.
• Experience working in genomics, microbiome, academic, or translational research laboratories will be preferred.