Sequencing Technician - 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.

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.

At EIT we are seeking an experienced and detailed orientated Sequencing Technician to support sequencing operations within the Pathogen Applications Team. This is a laboratory-based role focused on supporting routine sequencing workflows and laboratory operations. Working closely with the Sequencing Operations Scientist and wider Applications Team, you will perform standardised laboratory procedures including sample receipt, QC workflows, sequencing preparation, inventory management, and laboratory documentation. This role would suit a candidate with a strong undergraduate laboratory background who is looking to develop hands-on experience in sequencing and molecular biology within a fast-paced research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support routine sequencing workflows following established protocols
• Perform laboratory procedures including:
• Sample receipt and logging
• Sample QC and nucleic acid quantification
• qPCR assays
• Library preparation support
• Sequencing run preparation
• Microbiology culture and culture enumeration
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory records and sample tracking documentation
• Assist with sample management and traceability processes
• Support inventory management including stock checks, reagent preparation, and consumable ordering
• Assist with flow cell tracking and sequencing consumables management
• Support laboratory housekeeping and equipment maintenance activities
• Work in accordance with laboratory health and safety and HTA requirements where applicable
• Assist with basic microbiology and molecular biology workflows as required
• Escalate laboratory or sequencing issues to senior staff when identified

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. molecular biology, microbiology, biomedical sciences or related field)
• Minimum 1 year of practical laboratory experience gained through placements, internships, or employment
• Basic molecular biology laboratory skills
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills including spreadsheets and laboratory documentation

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, And Experience

• Experience with qPCR or nucleic acid quantification methods
• Exposure to sequencing workflows or sequencing technologies
• Experience working in a regulated or high-throughput laboratory environment
• Familiarity with sample tracking or laboratory record systems
• Basic microbiology laboratory experience

Key Attributes

• Organised and reliable
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and develop new laboratory skills
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Proactive with a positive can-do attitude

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.