Scientist

We are looking for a Scientist I to apply next-generation sequencing approaches for the cultivation of unculturable microbes and development of their commercial potential.

Role

In this lab-based role, you will join our process innovation team and you will contribute towards the expansion of our library of novel microbes using next-generation sequencing approaches. This will support our vision to discover solutions to global issues, including the discovery of new antibiotics against resistant bacteria and fungicides to support global food security.

Team

The process innovation team consists of automation and sequencing experts that support the microbial generation team to generate, process, and stock novel microbial species.

Together we have used extensive data collection and a range of bioinformatics approaches to culture more than 4,000 previously unexplored microbial species. We continue to grow our library by employing a variety of sequencing approaches including whole genome sequencing and amplicon sequencing to strengthen our understanding of individual microbes and the soil microbiome.

We are a diverse team, using a range of capabilities to continue to increase our cultivation rates for novel species through further technological development of the platform and automated pipelines. This allows for exploration of a greater chemical space and biological space to culture novel microbes.

Teamwork

All projects are led by individuals but supported by the entire group and discussed on a weekly basis. This model relies on people to take responsibility for their own projects, be open to discussing new ideas, and give fair and unbiased feedback. We are therefore

looking for people who enjoy working in a collaborative and adaptive environment, with strong communication skills and a drive to be proactive.

Position

We are looking for a Scientist I to join our process innovations team and boost our Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) capabilities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting and troubleshooting our high-throughput sequencing workflows
• Applying a range of nanopore sequencing (ONT) methods (e.g. whole genome, amplicon, metagenomics) to identify individual microbial species and/or microbial communities
• Identifying opportunities to automate the pipeline and supporting implementation to accelerate our discovery of novel solutions
• Work with our current Sequencing Lead to continue to expand our NGS capabilities
• Training technicians on ONT sequencing

You should have:

• A PhD in next-generation sequencing or equivalent 3-4 years' experience
• Extensive wet-lab NGS experience using ONT. This includes determining optimal conditions such as DNA extraction methods, multiplexing capacity and library preparation, and understanding downstream bioinformatic pipelines.
• Data-driven mindset and core understanding of statistical principles
• Strong self-motivation and drive to expand our technical platform
• Good priority management and ability to adapt
• Collaborative drive and good team ethic

It would be great if you had:

• NGS experience using Illumina platforms
• A good understanding of working with (soil) microbial community data
• Experience in working with lab automation and/or high-throughput approaches

Benefits

• The chance to be part of an impact-driven, fun, multicultural, kind, and ambitious crowd
• Daily access to academic leaders, business leaders, and unicorn founders
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced parental leave (12 weeks maternity / 6 weeks paternity)
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years employment
• Flexible start and finish times within the company’s core hours to fit your preferences
• Weekly team activities including board games, sports activities, and socials on Fridays
• Complimentary snacks, fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks,...
• Access to 1000s of training courses through Udemy, with an allowance for both personal development and work-related training
• Bike2Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme offering structured counselling, life and career coaching, legal and financial advice platform