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. The company’s goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. Oxford Nanopore 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’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis in fully scalable formats, from pocket to population-scale, and the only one that can sequence native DNA or RNA samples, with no restriction on read length. The Role Our Sample Technology team is responsible for the specification, development and performance of the company’s suite of nucleic acid sample preparation kits, and the development of end-to-end sample-to-answer workflows, all intimately associated with our sequencing platforms (e.g. MinION/GridION and PromethION). We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with great lab-based skills to join the team as a Development Scientist. The role, based at the company’s Oxford headquarters, will support the development of new nanopore sequencing products, focusing on developing and delivering new biomolecular components (Key Features) within the cutting-edge sample-preparation kits. These kits are designed to handle a large variety of DNA and RNA sample types and are specific to customers’ particular requirements. Formally reporting to the Key Features Senior Scientist, the successful candidate will work across multiple projects and be responsible for helping to deliver continuous improvement to the sample preparation kits, focussing on characterising, troubleshooting, and improving the performance of the biomolecular components contained within. In a highly collaborative role, the successful candidate will enjoy interacting with various stakeholders, from the Research division (through adopting and developing new ideas) to Production, where their work, ultimately, makes it into customers’ hands. The team itself is markedly multidisciplinary, containing biological and physical scientists, bioinformaticians, and software developers. What we are looking for We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the Sample Technology Development Team who will have experience in most of the following areas: Experience with the manipulation and characterisation of nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) and proteins. Hands-on experience with a wide variety of molecular biochemical and biophysical techniques and methods (e.g. PAGE / chip / capillary electrophoresis analysis, RT-qPCR and other plate- and fluorescence-based assays). Experience with assay design, development and optimisation. Knowledge of chromatographic methods for analysis or purification of DNA/RNA, proteins, small molecules or complex mixtures. Competency with Python, conda, R or command line programming for data science. Accurate and effective experimental design and execution. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience interacting within a multi-disciplinary team and cross-functional collaboration. Excellent attention to detail, good record keeping, and a high level of organisation. Having knowledge and/or hands-on experience with oligonucleotide design and with Oxford Nanopore’s (or other NGS sequencing platforms) library preparation is a plus. Responsibilities include: Initial design, iteration and characterisation of various biomolecular components within ONT’s sample preparation kits for various applications. Developing biochemical, biophysical and sequencing-based assays as well as method development for chromatography-based assays. Protein/DNA complex formation and chromatography-based purification. Routine use of our nanopore-based single molecule assays. Robust and thorough data analysis of any conducted experiments and accurate reporting to the wider team and division. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field, or equivalent industrial experience. Characteristics we are looking for in a successful candidate include a strong attention to detail, a high level of organisation and effective communications skills, both written and verbal. The role is suited for a dedicated individual eager to learn and grow, who will be provided with extensive training and mentorship to support their development. The role is suited for a self-driven individual eager to learn and grow, who will be provided ample training and coaching, aimed to support their development. 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.