Senior Staff Scientist – Multiplex PCR Specialist

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Are you an experienced, pragmatic and forward-thinking Scientist looking to contribute towards solving real global health challenges? If so, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and we are looking for someone like you!

Due to an acceleration in exciting, scientific growth at the Institute, we are looking for a highly experienced Scientist to join our R&D team as a Senior Staff Scientist. The focus of this role will be to work with faculty and operational partners to design and deliver innovative new high throughput workflows, in particular those involving complex multiplex PCR.

About the Role:

As a Senior Staff Scientist with a focus on PCR development and optimisation you will be responsible for design of complex PCR based assays.

As part of your role, you will:

Deliver complex high-throughput processes, initiating concepts and project managing them through to completion, within agreed budget constraints, timescales and quality standards.

Provide expert advice and mentor and coach junior members of the team

Develop and implement optimal solutions to lead the evolution of our processes

Build relationships across DNAP, Sci-Ops and Scientific Programmes in order to foster new ideas and grow our science

Work closely with external collaborators to bring in new technology, ensuring that the Institute keeps pace with the latest developments

About You:

You will be an experienced molecular biologist and entrepreneurial thinker with a track record in initiating concepts and project managing them through to completion, within agreed budget constraints, timescales and quality standards.

You will have:

Extensive hands-on experience with single and multiplex PCR primer design

Comprehension of important parameters when designing and optimising complex PCR reactions.

You will have the ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively and influence a range of internal stakeholders at all levels. You will also be comfortable working independently and prioritising your workload to meet objectives effectively and efficiently. You will have strategic awareness and the ability to support large-scale projects in a complex, ever-changing environment. You will be agile in response to changing requirements with a focus on efficiency and continuous process improvement.

Esential Skills:

Ph.D. degree in a biological science (or significant experience in the field).

A recognized expert with considerable and demonstrable proficiency in molecular biology and a clear track record in the field.

Knowledge and experience of next generation library construction and sequencing, both long read and short read technologies.

Proven ability to independently develop and optimize new scientific methods for use in a high throughput environment.

Expert knowledge of Nucleic acid extraction and understanding of how different chemistries can be applied to achieve project aims e.g. high or ultra-high molecular weight DNA extraction.

Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Excellent organizational and record keeping skills

Other Information:

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role may close when a successful appointment has been made.

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role using the criteria set out above and in the job description.

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000

About Us:

DNA Pipelines (DNAP) is a core facility within Scientific Operations (Sci-Ops) at the Wellcome Sanger Institute consisting of multidisciplinary teams whose primary function is to generate high-quality sequencing data and resources by translating ambitious experimental ideas into pipelines in order for our research faculty to deliver the Institute’s scientific goals. In addition to this, DNAP have collaborated with external organisations to deliver genomic sequences for the world-leading data resource UK Biobank, and supporting public health by taking a leading role in the COG-UK consortium, sequencing SARS-CoV-2 genomes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DNAP R&D team is tasked with taking ideas from concept, through to design, validation and implementation of these ambitious pipelines. We work collaboratively with partners across the wider institute to ensure we understand the faculty science which is being supported, and colleagues in the operational teams to ensure that we build pipelines which are robust and fit for purpose at the scales required.

https://www.sanger.ac.uk/group/operations-dna-pipelines/

https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/who-we-are/sanger-institute/our-vision/

Working at Wellcome Sanger

Our flexible-hybrid working environment means you can focus on being productive and part of the team while enjoying the benefits of working remotely and from the Genome Campus when you are in the office.

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.