Genomics Research Assistant: Sequencing & Assembly

University of Connecticut; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 46,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Connecticut in Storrs is seeking two Research Assistants (RA 2 or RA 3) to join the R. O’Neill and J. Wegrzyn labs.

You will generate short- and long-read sequencing data across ONT, PacBio, and Illumina platforms, contributing to telomere-to-telomere genome projects and comparative analyses. Ideal candidates will have experience with NGS library preparation, high molecular weight DNA extraction, and strong data management skills in HPC environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field; 2–5 years post-degree experience for RA2, or Master’s with relevant experience for RA3.
• Experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a high-volume lab.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and speech.
• Experience with NGS and library preparation methods.

Responsibilities

• Isolate nucleic acids from tissues, blood, and cell cultures.
• Perform next generation sequencing applications across platforms.
• QC and library preparation for sequencing runs.
• Run UL Oxford Nanopore and other flow cells; manage data in HPC.
• Assess sequence quality metrics and report results.
• Support training of new students and oversee data production.

Skills

NGS library prep

Data interpretation

Independence in experiments

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field

Master's degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

PacBio sequencing

Illumina sequencing

HPC data management

DNA extraction

Job description

The University of Connecticut in Storrs is seeking two Research Assistants (RA 2 or RA 3) to join the R. O’Neill and J. Wegrzyn labs.

You will generate short- and long-read sequencing data across ONT, PacBio, and Illumina platforms, contributing to telomere-to-telomere genome projects and comparative analyses. Ideal candidates will have experience with NGS library preparation, high molecular weight DNA extraction, and strong data management skills in HPC environments.