Senior Research and Development Scientist | Genomic Surveillance Unit

Job title:

Senior Research and Development Scientist | Genomic Surveillance Unit

Company

Wellcome Sanger Institute

Job description

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.We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research and Development Scientist to join the Genomic Surveillance Unit (GSU) here at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This is a key role, where the postholder will be experienced in Whole/Next Generation Sequencing techniques and molecular diagnostic assay development.You will provide technical and scientific expertise to the department and be responsible for the development and application of Pathogen Genomics services appropriate to the GSU strategies. You will take a lead in the development and implementation of novel techniques and technologies throughout the Pathogen Genomics service within GSU, supporting staff development in this areaIf you’re passionate about using genomics to make a real difference to public health on a national and global level, then keep reading!About the role
As Senior Research and Development Scientist you will be responsible for:Establishing, performing and validating molecular and sequencing techniques including extraction and PCR for detection and profiling of pathogens from human and environmental samplesDeveloping quantitative and quality assessment assays to generate nucleic acid material compatible with sequencing technologies and methodsTo prepare Standard Operating Procedures for Genomics tests and take part in activities relating to local laboratory accreditation.Conducting laboratory and assay quality control and assurance.the writing and publication of manuscripts and reports describing research results, in collaboration with the wider project teamAnalysing pathogen genomes to identify conserved targets for amplification assaysApplying knowledge and skills to support the modification and refinement of SOPs, with particular emphasis on scalability and cost-effectiveness.Ensuring that all work carried out is in accordance with the institute’s research policies to make sure it is ethical and legalRegularly interacting with scientific and technical staff to assess results and troubleshoot complex problemsKeeping up to date with the latest developments and R&D opportunities through literature review, site visits, attendance at science and technology meetings, and dialogue with external companiesInitiating, developing and managing collaborations, networks or partnerships, with companies and scientists (both internal and external)Supporting, training, advising, mentoring and coaching other team membersEncouraging a culture of honesty and openness within the group that permits all R&D peers to raise standards of work and behaviourContributing to wider laboratory scienceAbout youWe are looking for dedicated and friendly people with great communication skills to join our team. To excel in this role you will need the following skills and experience:Technical SkillsPhD in biological sciences or equivalent relevant laboratory/research experiencePostdoctoral or relevant experience with a publication record in a relevant subjectExperience in the development of molecular diagnostics and genome sequencing of pathogensHigh proficiency with molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extraction, RT-PCR, qPCR, sequencingExperience working at Containment Level 2 (essential) and Containment Level 3 (desirable)In-depth working knowledge and competency in Genomics and Sequencing and its application in clinical practice and public healthCompetencies and BehavioursAbility to work effectively, both independently and within a team, contributing to discussions and disseminating knowledge and informationResilient and self-motivated to take learnings from unsuccessful experimentsMeticulous attention to detailExcellent organisational and communication skillsHighly developed problem-solving skillsExperienced in planning experiments and research, and in setting strategic goalsDemonstrates inclusivity and respect for allStrong Influencing skillsAbility to build relationships with internal and external stakeholdersEvidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice.An understanding of quality assurance proceduresAbout usThe Genomic Surveillance Unit is dedicated to global public health, bringing expertise in genomics, data science, product development, and sequencing operations to bear on surveillance solutions for important human diseases. We currently focus on malaria, COVID-19, and a range of other respiratory viruses.The culture in the GSU is innovative, fast-paced, international, and multidisciplinary. With backgrounds in business, technology, academia, and global health, our team solves problems with perspectives from multiple angles.Examples of our work include:Extensive involvement in COVID-19 and respiratory virus surveillance activities in the UK, providing the UK Health Security Agency with insight to detect and manage outbreaks;Fighting malaria — a disease which kills hundreds of thousands of children every year — by tracking drug and insecticide resistance;Working with research partners around the world to translate scientific discoveries into operational surveillance products;Our world-leading COVID-19 and malaria genomic surveillance streams have a proven track record of successful implementation. We support partners around the world at every stage of the process, from sample collection and lab set-up to training, data generation, and analysis.Our priorities are to continually increase benefits to public health, while improving the accessibility and quality of genomic surveillance data. Driven by the needs of our partners, we create analytical tools, lab methods, and data pipelines that push the boundaries of what’s possible.For more information, visitAdditional information
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.Salary: £53,700 – £64,500
Closing Date: Sunday 28-JULFull role profile can be viewed .View the Sanger Institute’s 2022-2023 Highlights here:Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role may close when a successful appointment has been made.Important Notice – Scheduled System Downtime:Due to an upcoming scheduled maintenance period, our careers site will be temporarily unavailable between 4 pm Friday 5th July to 12 noon Monday 8th July.During this period, you will not be able to apply for jobs through our system. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our services.Please ensure that any applications you intend to submit are completed outside of the maintenance period and before the advert closing date.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 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 aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Expected salary

£53700 – 64500 per year

Location

Hinxton, Cambridgeshire

Job date

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:37:54 GMT

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