Advanced Research Assistant

We are seeking an Advanced Research Assistant to join the Lawniczak Lab on an 18 months fixed term contract.

The Opportunity:

The successful applicant will adapt existing high-throughput amplicon panels to be compliant with ONT platforms, work closely with our informatics team to perform quality control of these translated panels, and create easy-to-understand guides for the use of these translated ONT panels. The project requires creativity and independence, and we are looking for a problem solver who takes initiative towards developing and testing these protocols.

The Project: 

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) have created portable DNA sequencing devices that provide a great alternative for researchers who need to generate real-time sequencing data in the field or in resource-limited settings. We are looking for a researcher who has an interest in insect biodiversity and/or malaria to adapt three existing high-throughput DNA amplicon protocols to the ONT platform. The outcomes of this project are to provide simple-to-use instructions from sample-to-sequence-to-analysis for anyone interested in using these amplicon panels with ONT devices, bringing down the barriers of real-time biodiversity and infectious disease monitoring.

About you:

You will have experience in using high-throughput sequencing protocols, equipment and platforms. A strong interest in ONT platforms is beneficial but prior experience with ONT platforms is not required. You’ll have significant full time lab experience with DNA and/or RNA, including extractions, measuring quality and quantity, multiplexed PCR, troubleshooting, use of robotics, summarising and presenting results to the team, and making proposals for next steps. You should be a team player who has exquisite attention to detail, good laboratory practice, and excellent interpersonal skills. You will be good at balancing many different demands on your time, shifting priorities and working with a number of teams, providing and incorporating feedback and ensuring the project is running smoothly. 

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills alongside strong time management and organisational skills are needed, as is the ability to troubleshoot and identify areas for process improvement. You should be able to quickly learn new techniques and new protocols, conduct bespoke experimental work using your experience and deeper scientific understanding, being able to troubleshoot, and challenge and innovate where appropriate.

We value diversity and we welcome applications from anyone regardless of your gender, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, nationality, or your requirement for part time or flexible working hours due to childcare or other bout you: commitments.

Please include your CV and a cover letter clearly outlining your suitability for the role by briefly listing your experience in each of the essential skills listed in the accompanying Role Profile.

Please also describe your molecular laboratory experience with regards to sequencing techniques, methods and protocols you have used for DNA extraction, DNA barcoding/ metabarcoding and any other techniques appropriate to the role profile.

Applications without this information in the cover letter will not be considered.