Scientist, Sequencing Operations - Applications Team (Pathogen) in Oxford

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we're on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four transformative areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing CO₂, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. This is ambitious work - work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you'll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real‑world breakthroughs. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society.

Welcome to the Pathogen Project. Within this ecosystem, the Pathogen Mission exemplifies EIT’s commitment to transformative science. It aims to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases by leveraging whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based metagenomic and pathogen‑specific analytical tools. This remit includes the development of a decentralised, sample‑to‑answer sequencing diagnostic platform for infectious diseases, enabling rapid and accurate analysis of patient samples without prior assumptions. Supported by Oracle Inc.'s cloud‑computing scale and security infrastructure, the Pathogen Mission is progressing towards certified diagnostic products for deployment in laboratories, hospitals, and public health organisations worldwide.

Your Role: At EIT we are seeking an experienced and detailed‑orientated Scientist to establish and lead sequencing operations within the Pathogen, Applications Team. This is a hands‑on, laboratory‑based role with a strong operational focus. You will be responsible for centralising and streamlining sequencing workflows across the team, moving from a decentralised model to a coordinated sequencing function. You will take ownership of sequencing operations including sample intake, QC, library preparation, sequencing, run management, and workflow coordination. The role will also involve developing and implementing systems for sample submission, tracking, prioritisation, inventory management, and sequencing reporting. This role is ideal for someone with previous experience working within a routine or high‑throughput sequencing facility who is ready to take the next step in building and optimising sequencing systems within a growing team. Over time, the role holder is expected to support and supervise more junior sequencing staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage a centralised sequencing workflow for the Applications Team
• Develop systems and processes for:
• Sample submission and receipt
• Sample and sequencing run tracking
• Sequencing prioritisation and scheduling
• Documentation and workflow standardisation
• Coordinate sequencing activities across multiple projects and stakeholders
• Perform laboratory workflows including:
• Sample QC
• qPCR and nucleic acid quantification
• Library preparation
• Sequencing using long‑read and/or short‑read technologies
• Microbiological culture and enumeration
• Monitor sequencing quality and troubleshoot technical issues
• Provide feedback to scientists on failed or suboptimal sequencing runs and assist with problem‑solving
• Initiate and coordinate downstream sequencing data analysis workflows and track data analyses and storage across the team, with support from bioinformatics colleagues
• Organise data and analysis outputs into a central directory
• Track and manage sequencing consumables and laboratory inventory including:
• Flow cell usage and reuse
• Barcode tracking
• Reagent stock management and ordering
• Contribute to optimisation and improvement of sequencing protocols and operational workflows
• Support laboratory compliance activities including accurate record keeping and sample traceability
• Work closely with laboratory operations and ensure adherence to HTA, health and safety protocols and laboratory governance requirements where applicable
• Support onboarding, training, and supervision of junior sequencing staff and technicians
• Maintain accurate, organised, and traceable laboratory records

Requirements:

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, genomics, microbiology or related field)
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in sequencing‑based workflows in an industry, clinical or academic environment
• Experience performing:
• Library preparation
• Sequencing workflows
• Sample QC techniques including qPCR
• Experience working in a routine, high‑throughput, or core sequencing facility environment
• Strong organisational and workflow management skills
• Experience coordinating or prioritising laboratory workflows across multiple users or projects
• Excellent record‑keeping and attention to detail
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory or sequencing workflow issues
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, And Experience:

• Experience with nanopore sequencing platforms
• Experience establishing or improving laboratory operational systems
• Familiarity with metagenomics or infectious disease applications
• Experience with LIMS or other sample tracking systems
• Basic understanding of sequencing data analysis workflows
• Experience working under HTA or similar regulated laboratory environments
• Previous experience mentoring or supervising junior staff

Key Attributes:

• Highly organised and process‑driven
• Proactive and able to take ownership of operational systems
• Strong problem‑solving mindset
• Collaborative and supportive team player
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality laboratory practice

Benefits:

• Salary: £Competitive + travel allowance + bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Working Together - What It Involves:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• In certain cases, we can consider sponsorship, and this will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford (or be willing to relocate).
• This is a fully onsite role in Oxford.