Research Scientist

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe.

Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.

Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!

We are seeking a passionate Scientist to join our Digital Microfluidics Research and Development team and help develop our next generation digital microfluidics product, TraxION. TraxION will deliver to our customers hand-held, fully automated sample extraction, library preparation and Nanopore sequencing. The post holder’s focus will be on research and development of methods for nucleic acid extraction from a range of sample types.

The post holder will be primarily responsible for research and development of methods for nucleic acid extraction from a range of sample types that will be compatible with our Digital Microfluidics automation platform. Duties will include planning technical activities, designing and executing experiments both in-tube and on our digital microfluidics platform, analysing results and solving problems.

What We're Looking For...

We'll expect you to have hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction from a range of DNA and RNA containing samples. Ideally, you'll have a PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Chemistry or a relevant physical/biological subject or a successful track record of delivering industrial R&D projects.

Required skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge of DNA/RNA extraction methods for a range of sample types
• Knowledge of DNA/RNA library preparation for next generation sequencing
• Knowledge of bioinformatic methods for DNA/RNA sequencing data analysis
• A broad set of skills in molecular biology techniques, such as PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Fragment Analyser, Bioanalyser, Nanodrop
• Experience in working and maintaining Containment Level 2 Labs

Ideally, you'll also have experience and abilities in the following areas:

• Knowledge of Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platforms
• Molecular Biology/Chemistry in droplets
• Microfluidics
• Familiarity with Linux, Python and command line programming
• Digital microfluidic technology and the principles of electrowetting

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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Oxford Nanopore’s goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology enabling the real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 100 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses and whole environments.

Oxford Nanopore was founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford and now employs over 1000 employees around the world.