Development Scientist

Development Scientist

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Type: Full-time

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies

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. The company’s goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere.

Oxford Nanopore 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.

The Role

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the Sample Technology team as a Development Scientist. This exciting and challenging role is responsible for improving, developing and introducing new sequencing kit components to support the improvement and expansion of the current product range.

The Sample Technology team is responsible for the development, specification and performance of ONT’s sample preparation products, associated biological components, and end-to-end “sample-to-answer” workflows. Reporting to the Sequencing Kit Development Manager, you will support both the development of new products, from concept to release, and the continuous improvement and optimisation of items within our existing portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver products from proof-of-concept into customer hands
• Generating data to showcase the performance of nucleic acid (library) preparation methods
• Developing and optimising library preparation methods to boost performance
• Designing new biochemical components for use within library preparation
• Developing assays to assess new biochemical components
• Operating Oxford Nanopore sequencing devices and performing associated analyses
• Communicating regularly, orally and in writing, with a variety of stakeholders

Essential Experience and Skills

• Strong attention to detail and a high level of organisation
• Great communication skills and a genuine enjoyment of teamwork
• Enjoys taking on new challenges and adapting quickly in a fast-paced environment
• Performs well under pressure
• Training will be given and, as such, a willingness to learn and develop is essential

Desirable Experience

• Hands-on experience handling and characterising DNA, RNA and proteins
• Use of molecular biology techniques, including (q)PCR, PAGE and capillary electrophoresis
• Design, development and optimisation of biochemical assays

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a relevant physical or biological subject
• Ideally, a couple of years of experience in a relevant field in industry

Benefits and Environment

We offer outstanding benefits, including an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. The site has beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake.

If you are ready to take on new challenges and help bring sample preparation to customers worldwide, apply today.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only on their merits, qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the job.