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.
Our Scientific Operations department is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Scientist to join the Sequencing Operations Research and Development group for a 12-month fixed-term position. Depending on experience, we are also happy to consider applicants at the Staff Scientist level.
For internal applicants, this role is also available as an internal Secondment opportunity
About the role:
You will play a key part in the delivery of research project work for the development and improvement of existing and novel nucleic acid sequencing technologies and related biochemical approaches. This involves the design of methods that are suitable for deployment in a high-throughput format, and the close collaboration with Technical Development and operational teams to ensure their efficient transition into a production environment in Scientific Operations.
In addition;
- Develop and adapt novel or existing methods and processes that promote the ability of Scientific Operations to support Faculty science.
- Engage with and support R&D projects led by other members of the DNA Pipelines R&D team and across the wider organisation.
- Drive the transition and implementation of new technologies to DNA Pipelines, providing production support, education and training to Operational staff.
- Identify, prioritise and be accountable for R&D projects aligned with the strategic aims of Scientific Operations and Faculty science.
- Offer advice, expertise and knowledge to Scientific Operations and Scientific Programmes to enable the rapid adoption of new technologies and scientific approaches.
This is mainly a lab-based role.
About you:
You will have a diverse range of research experience and technical skills in experimental molecular biology and biochemistry. 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 be an experienced research scientist with a demonstrable ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
You will have hands-on experience with:
- High-throughput workflow design
- Optimising NGS library construction and sequencing, both long read and short read technologies.
- Extensive experience with nucleic acid extraction processes and their underlying chemistries.
- Experience with PCR optimisations (i.e. reagents, thermal cycling conditions)
- Sample QC - familiarity with methods for QC in genomics labs i.e. tapestation, bioanalyser, nanodrop, qubit, qPCR and the limitations of each.
- Innovating new processes or parts of processes by identifying areas of proposed workflows for improvement
About the team:
The Sequencing Operations teams support the research of all scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in their generation and use of genomic data to understand the underlying biology of health, disease and evolution. From cancer to the individual cells that make up a human body, and from parasitic worms to endangered species, our DNA sequencing teams employ specialist knowledge to apply a range of DNA sequencing technologies.
The Sequencing Operations Research and Development group is the entry point for new technologies relevant to the delivery of the aims of the Institute, specifically related to high-throughput nucleic acid extraction and sequencing chemistries and instrumentation. The team assesses new methods and procedures to maximise the efficiency, quality and throughput of all incoming machinery for the benefit of all Institute researchers.
Additional information:
For further information, please reach out to Esther Mellado Gomez ().
Applications: Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include detail on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role may close when a successful appointment has been made.
Salary:G1 (Senior Staff Scientist): £53,700 - £64,400;
Salary: G2 (Staff Scientist): £44,800 - £53,800
Closing Date:Sunday 2-FEB-24
Contract duration:MAY-2026
View our 2023-2024 Institute Highlights here: bit.ly/SangerHighlights2023-24
Internal Applications:
Secondment opportunities will be considered for this fixed-term position and prior approval from existing managers should be sought in advance of your application
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:
We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
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, Disability 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.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.
