Senior Research Assistant, NGS

Location: Babraham Research Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent 

Start: Immediate

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Lab based position (Cambridge)

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for UK skilled worker sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or must not require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

 

Your role in our team:

We are looking for a skilled research assistant with expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS) to drive and enhance NGS workflows at bit.bio. You will apply your molecular biology experience including library preparation, sequencing, cloning and genotyping to deliver high-quality results, optimise processes and implement robust quality controls. 

Collaborating across teams, this key role will have a strong focus in enhancing bit.bio’s NGS capabilities and supporting the organisation’s scientific goals.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects related to NGS deliverables including, single-cell omics, RNA-seq, Illumina and long-read sequencing, ensuring adherence to minimum Quality Control (QC) metrics and maximum turnaround time (TAT). 
• Provide cross-functional molecular biology support as needed for vector design and a range of genotyping techniques.
• Ensure operational cohesiveness with comprehensive and robust documentation for work instructions, risk assessments, COSHH and ELN templates are robust and maintained.
• Contribute to broader scientific and operational strategies through active involvement in key committees, with a specific emphasis within the Department of Functional Genomics.
• Serve as a crucial intermediary between scientific, commercial, and manufacturing divisions to facilitate technology development and application.

You…

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of Biological Science (or equivalent experience). 
• Have the ability to operate autonomously with minimal, high-level direction.
• Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively, whilst maintaining adherence to defined turnaround times (TAT).
• A meticulous approach and attention to detail are required.

With essential experience in...

• Have proven experience in a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) focused role within the life sciences industry.
• Demonstrable experience in a wide range of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation methodologies, including single-cell omics (e.g., 10x Genomics, Parse Biosciences), bulk RNA-sequencing, and automated NGS processes.
• Substantial experience in nucleic acid extraction (utilising both column-based and/or automated systems) and subsequent QC, with a critical focus on assessing quality for downstream library preparation (proficient use of Agilent Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, and Qubit systems is required).
• Comprehensive experience with molecular biology techniques, including, but not limited to, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, molecular cloning, and standard genotyping methods.
• Demonstrate proficiency in maintaining meticulous records (ELN).

and possibly..

• Experience operating Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms.
• Proficiency with programming languages (e.g., R, Python).
• Capability to conduct risk assessments, including those under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.
• Demonstrates an awareness of the current scientific literature, with a focus on emerging state-of-the-art NGS techniques.