Scientist, Dna Extraction And Library Prep in Oxford

Overview
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity\’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions.
Focused on areas led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world\’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
A cornerstone of EIT Oxford\’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in ****.
This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford.
It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.
The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT\’s transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle\’s cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system.
This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance.
The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.
EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity\’s enduring challenges.
Role
We are seeking a
Scientist – DNA Extraction and Library Preparation
to support research and product development within EIT Oxford\’s Pathogen Programme.
This is a lab-based role focused on designing, executing, and reporting on assays that measure the performance of individual components within novel, automated metagenomic pathogen detection workflows.
You will work with both standardised and clinical samples to help inform the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in humans.
The role involves close collaboration with scientists and engineers in small, agile teams to deliver key project milestones.
Key Responsibilities
Design experiments, undertake standardised chemical or enzymatic assays or develop novel methods and metrics, where necessary, for quantifying modules performance within a workflow.
Prepare, record and present results for quantitative and qualitative assays and development
Work in partnership with the diagnostics workflow, fluidics and instrumentation teams to ensure that appropriate methods for benchmarking are conserved and transferable between manual and automated workflows
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience
PhD or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with specialisation in assay development and validation
Hands-on experience of molecular assay development and associated data analysis
Experience in identifying and quantifying non nucleic acid analyte contamination
Proficiency in laboratory techniques: spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy -light/fluoresce
Experience in undertaking complex manual molecular workflows / protocols
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Experience in quantitative and qualitative assay development and implementation e.g. qPCR, RT-qPCR, FISH, ELISA
Proven ability to design and execute experiments to characterise polynucleotides, enzymes and other analytes
Understanding of, and experience with, library preparation and sequencing with Oxford Nanopore products
Experience working with low-quality or chemically contaminated samples
Experience in flow cytometry, FACS and/or cell sorting
Key Attributes
Scientific and Technical Expertise
Expertise in nucleic acid quantification from various biosamples (e.g. blood, saliva, tissue, stool, environmental samples).
Experience in quantifying chemical contaminant carry over in complex laboratory workflows
Familiarity with biosafety and sterile technique for working with human or high-path environmental samples
Proficiency in molecular/microbiology techniques (e.g. spectrophotometry, fluorometry, microscopy qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture).
Track record of innovation (e.g. commercial products, patents and/or publications).
Team Working and Project Management
Ability to manage elements of a project and collaborate with internal stakeholders.
Experience managing or mentoring a small number of junior scientists in a team.
Soft Skills
Strong problem-solving mindset with a hands-on, experimental approach.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks, and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
We offer the following benefits:
Enhanced holiday pay
Pension
Life Assurance
Income Protection
Private Medical Insurance
Hospital Cash Plan
Therapy Services
Perk Box
Electrical Car Scheme
Why work for EIT
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success.
We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard.
Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence.
Join us and make an impact
Terms of Appointment
You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.
#J-*****-Ljbffr