Sample Technology Manager (RNA/cDNA)

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 Technologies Manager to join our RNA/cDNA Sample Technologies team. This role is full-time, lab based and involves the research and development of Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing kits with the aim of enhancing the performance of our RNA/cDNA sequencing performance, platforms, and end-to-end workflows for biopharma-related applications using our disruptive technologies. The successful candidate will be expected to liaise with senior management while maintaining oversight of key research projects within the team.

The Details...

Reporting to the Director of the RNA/cDNA Sample Technologies 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 stakeholders. Demonstration of successfully working with RNA and a good understanding of transcriptomics and/or viral genomics is essential. Experience in RNA-related biopharma methodologies or regulated GMP is also desirable but not essential. The successful candidate will be expected 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):

Extract and prepare nucleic acid for RNA and/or DNA sequencing.

Development and maintenance of specific assays and protocols, including but not limited to; RNA/cDNA sequencing sample prep; transcriptome sequencing; barcoding; sequence capture/enrichment; modified base detection

Generating sequencing data for downstream bioinformatic analysis

Liaising with bioinformatics/software development teams to provide required sequencing data to a defined experimental design

Communicate experimental findings with key stakeholders: this may include writing 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 stakeholders to deliver methodologies congruent with Q-line and regulatory GMP practices

Working on own projects as well as assisting new team members with lab work and basic bioinformatics tasks

What We're Looking For...

We will expect you to have a postgraduate Ph.D. degree and postdoctoral experience in a molecular biology/biotechnology-based field, and/or several years of related industry experience, preferably in an RNA-related discipline. 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. Leadership experience of laboratory-based research projects and/or teams is desired.

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

Basic understanding of nucleic acid structure and function, with experience working with RNA

Some data analysis/stats skills

Familiarity with basic molecular biology lab procedures such as gel electrophoresis, PCR qPCR etc.

Ability to perform basic lab calculations such as molarity calculations

Organisational, interpersonal and communication skills

Previous managerial experience is highly desirable

This role will suit someone enthusiastic with strong problem-solving and communication skills, who works well with multi-disciplinary teams and 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!