Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our 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 for faster, information-rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules, including proteins. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.
Location: Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Oxford, UK
Duration: 3 months
Start Date: Summer 2026
Hours: Full-time
About the role
You'll be working with the teams responsible for producing the software that controls our sequencers - MinKNOW. As part of your internship, you'll have the opportunity to:
* Develop our sequencing control tooling using Python, and work with our 'device administration' software, which maintains a stable environment for our software, handling updates, telemetry, and the network transmission of finalised sequencing data for further processing.
* Support the user-facing aspect of the software, and assisting in our rigorous testing process to ensure seamless functionality.
* Work with our high-performance C++ 'back-end,' which manages low-level communications with the sequencing devices and orchestrates data transfer between software components
During your internship, you'll gain insights into how these teams collaborate and the purpose of the processes we follow.
Details
* Reading and understanding task requirements or clarifying them with input from others.
* Reproducing and diagnosing bugs or undesired behaviour in software.
* Navigating and understanding pre-existing codebases.
* Modifying existing codebases.
* Reviewing proposed changes from others.
Ideally, you will be studying Computer Science or STEM subject, with some exposure to Python programming.
Eligibility
Successful candidates will be available to accept a minimum 3-month placement, commencing from spring/summer 2026. Specific dates will be discussed at interview. All roles require the intern to work full time hours for the duration of the placement, and be present in our Oxford HQ, on Oxford Science Park.
Person Specification
* Essential: Willingness to learn under direction.
* Desirable: Self-directed learning ability.
Benefits
* An opportunity to work on impactful projects in genomic sequencing, contributing to technology that can transform healthcare and research.
* Mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists.
* Access to cutting-edge resources and tools.
* Networking opportunities within the biotech and engineering communities.
* Competitive internship compensation.
Final stage selection will take place in Oxford HQ
All roles require the intern to work full time hours for the duration of the placement, and be present in our Oxford HQ, on Oxford Science Park.
If you're interested in gaining work experience in a highly skilled team of friendly scientists while contributing to the development of platforms for DNA/RNA sequencing development, we would love to hear from you.
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.