R&D Laboratory Scientist - 12 month fixed term contract (Hinxton based)

Company Description

All candidates should make sure to read the following job description and information carefully before applying.

Genomics England partners with the NHS to provide whole genome sequencing diagnostics. We also equip researchers to find the causes of disease and develop new treatments – with patients and participants at the heart of it all.

Our mission is to continue refining, scaling, and evolving our ability to enable others to deliver genomic healthcare and conduct genomic research.

We are accelerating our impact and working with patients, doctors, scientists, government and industry to improve genomic testing, and help researchers access the health data and technology they need to make new medical discoveries and create more effective, targeted medicines for everybody.

Job purpose

As an R&D Laboratory Scientist at Genomics England, you will undertake molecular biology assay development and execution, including NGS library preparation and sequencing experiments, using your expertise in sequencing technology.

This role will be based on site, full-time at our Hinxton, Cambridge site.

Job Description

Design and execute experiments such as sample preparation and QC, and next generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing
Keep a detailed record of operations and tracking of samples throughout the preparation and sequencing process
Collaborate with the R&D team to optimise sequencing protocols and automation of laboratory procedures
Work closely with team members to analyse sequencing results, support troubleshooting efforts and propose improvements
Ensure maintenance of laboratory instrumentation
Preparation of data for internal and external meetings and reports
Know and understand the meaning behind our virtues and leadership behaviours and embody them in all aspects of your role.Skills and experience for success:

It is essential for this position to have experience working in a lab including hands-on experience of molecular biology techniques.

We anticipate that the ideal candidate will have:

Post-graduate experience working in a molecular biology lab, processing multiple batches of samples.
A solid background in molecular biology, and a keen interest in cutting edge sequencing technologies applied to clinical samples.
Practical experience with DNA/RNA purification and handling,
Practical experience with NGS library preparation for whole genome sequencing or relevant nucleic acid based assays.

Qualifications

B.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or other related biological science disciplines.

Additional Information

Closing date for applications: Sunday 24th August at 23:59

Salary from: £33,500

Being an integral part of such a meaningful mission is extremely rewarding in itself, but in order to support our people, we’re continually improving our benefits package. We pride ourselves on investing in our people and supporting them to achieve their career goals, as well as offering a benefits package including:

Generous Leave: 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, additional leave for long service, and the option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (approval required).
Family-Friendly: Blended working arrangements, flexible working, enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave benefits.
Pension & Financial: Defined contribution pension (Genomics England double-matches up to 10%, however you can contribute more if you wish), Life Assurance (3x salary), and a Give As You Earn scheme.
Learning & Development: Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (approval required).
Recognition & Rewards: Employee recognition programme and referral scheme.
Health & Wellbeing: Subsidised gym membership, a free Headspace account, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, eye tests, flu jabs.Equal opportunities and our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace

Genomics England is actively committed to providing and supporting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion best practice both within our community and in any other area where we have influence. We are proud of our diverse community where everyone can come to work and feel welcomed and treated with respect regardless of any disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or social background.

Genomics England’s policies of non-discrimination and equity and will be applied fairly to all people, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, being pregnant or recently becoming a parent, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, length of service, whether full or part-time or employed under a permanent or a fixed-term contract or any other relevant factor.

Genomics England does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying at work. Such behaviour is contrary to