Senior Scientist (Next-generation sequencing) - Generative Biology Institute

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity's greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and robotics in an era of artificial intelligence. EIT blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.

A cornerstone of EIT mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Generative Biology Institute (GBI) at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) aims to overcome two major challenges in making biology engineerable: 1) the ability to precisely synthesize entire genomes, and 2) understanding which DNA sequences will create biological systems that perform desired functions. Solving these challenges will unlock the potential of biology for transformative solutions in health, sustainability, agriculture, and more. GBI will house 30 groups and over 300 researchers, supported by cutting-edge facilities and sustained funding to address global challenges and advance biology engineering.

EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity's enduring challenges.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join as a foundingmember of our next-generation sequencing team within a dynamic research environment. Overall, this team will empower fellow scientists to confidently take full advantage of next-generation sequencing technology in their research.

This team will manage the walk-up and supervised usage of Illumina, Nanopore, PacBio & Elements sequencing machines, be assisted by a state-of-the-art automation platform, and have access to a high-performance cluster for bioinformatic analysis.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting research across multiple groups and themes by providing expertise in delivering high-quality sequencing data and developing innovative workflows that support a diversity of experimental applications. You will collaborate closely with research groups to design and execute sequencing strategies tailored to novel and emerging scientific questions, and such contributions will be equitably acknowledged through authorship on relevant outputs.

Key Responsibilities:

• To design and perform sequencing workflows using a range of platforms (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio and Elements) or other high-throughput platforms, adapting protocols as needed to meet experimental requirements.
• To design and execute bespoke sequencing experiments, collaborating with research teams working across niche and novel synthetic, molecular & cell biology applications.
• To train, assist and feedback to other scientists who can or wish to utilise next-generation sequencing in a walk-up fashion.
• To analyse sequencing data using existing bioinformatics tools and pipelines, and bespoke solutions if necessary, delivering actionable insights to collaborating scientists.
• To continuously curate an expert understanding on the underlying technologies in the full sequencing workflow (Experiment - DNA extraction - library preparation - sequencing - analysis, and associated QC steps).
• To have a close working relationship with scientists from automation and bioinformatics teams.
• To contribute to the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of sequencing instruments, ensuring maximal performance and data quality.
• To stay abreast of new sequencing technologies and methodologies, integrating improvements to enhance performance, throughput and cost-efficiency.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• A PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in a relevant field, such as genomics, molecular biology, synthetic biology, cell biology, or computational biology.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore).
• Proven ability to develop, adapt, and troubleshoot sequencing workflows.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatics tools for sequencing analysis and interpretation OR confident in multiple programming languages and coding/simple software development.
• A track record of working effectively in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research environment.
• Exceptional communication skills: possess a desire to understand the scientific requests of collaborators in depth, manage multiple continuous collaborations, and translate complex concepts and data interpretation into clear, actionable outputs for non-specialists.

Desirable:

• Experience with LIMS, ELNs and data management.
• Experience in biological library screening, e.g. directed evolution, CRISPR screening, display technologies, deep mutational scanning.
• Experience with advanced sequencing techniques such as Hi-C, ChIP-Seq, SHAPE, nascent RNASeq.
• Experience in bioinformatics packages such as Nextflow, GATK, hifiasm.
• Experience with common programming languages such as Python, R, Unix.
• Experience with laboratory automation (e.g. Biomek i7)

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: Competitive salary on offer
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.