Sample Technology Manager (RNA/cDNA)

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Job Description

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.

Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.

Oxford Nanopore's sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!

We are looking for a Sample Technology Manager to join our RNA/cDNA Sample Technology team. This role is full-time, lab based and involves the research and development of Oxford Nanopore's sequencing kits with the aim of improving the performance of our RNA/cDNA sequencing performance, platforms, and end-to-end workflows for biopharma-related applications using our innovative technologies.

The Details...

Reporting to the Director of the RNA/cDNA Sample Technology division, the successful candidate will undertake a role that involves experimental design, offline assays, library preparation and RNA/cDNA sequencing to develop and deliver sample preparation kits and protocols, and to provide data and feedback to bioinformatic teams to aid design of end-to-end workflows. The role will require good interpersonal skills and effective communication of findings to relevant partners. Demonstration of successful work with RNA manipulation, RNA constructs and a good understanding of transcriptomics and/or viral genomics is essential. Experience in RNA-related biopharma methodologies or GMP is also desirable. The role also requires 2-3 years of prior managerial experience overseeing experimental work of junior team members. We encourage the successful candidate to liaise with senior management while maintaining oversight of key research projects within the team.

Duties of the role include (but are not limited to): experimental design and implementation of testing improvements for RNA/cDNA sequencing protocols and kits, including techniques for direct RNA and cDNA sequencing methodologies.

Other responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Working on own projects as well as assisting new and junior team members with lab work and basic bioinformatics tasks
• Development and maintenance of specific assays and protocols, including but not limited to; RNA/cDNA sequencing sample prep; transcriptome sequencing; multiplexing; sequence capture/enrichment; modified base detection
• Extract and/or prepare nucleic acid for RNA and/or DNA sequencing, including designing and generating synthetic oligonucleotides and/or transcripts
• Generating sequencing data for downstream bioinformatic analysis
• Collaborating closely with bioinformatics/software development teams to provide required sequencing data to a defined experimental design
• Share experimental findings with collaborators: this may involve crafting protocols for publication.
• Generate and curate QC data and sequencing data to support sample prep methodologies as they are developed and investigated
• Working with relevant partners to deliver methodologies congruent with Q-line and regulatory GMP practices

What We're Looking For...

We will expect you to have a PhD and postdoctoral experience or equivalent experience in a molecular biology/biotechnology-based field, and/or several years of related proven experience in an RNA-related field. You will have a background with a successful lab-based academic research project or relevant lab-based work experience, and an understanding of next-generation sequencing. You will also have 2-3 years of leadership experience of laboratory-based research projects and/or teams.

You'll hold knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Extensive understanding of nucleic acid structure and function, with experience working with RNA constructs and manipulation of RNA molecules.
• Some data analysis/stats skills
• Knowledge of molecular biology lab procedures such as gel electrophoresis, PCR qPCR, oligonucleotide shearing, RNA/DNA quantification, etc.
• Ability to perform basic lab calculations such as molarity calculations
• Ability to design relevant experiments from initial concept requirements to delivery of final product
• Organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
• 2-3 years of previous managerial experience

This role will suit an RNA biologist who is enthusiastic with strong problem-solving and communication skills, who works well with multi-disciplinary teams and who can also work independently.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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About Us

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

Oxford Nanopore was founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford and now employs over 1000 employees around the world.