Scientist – DNA Extraction & Library Preparation (Pathogen Research)

Location: Oxford, UK (on-site)

Contract: Permanent, full-time

The Opportunity

We’re supporting a mission-led, well-funded science and technology organisation working at the forefront of pathogen detection and metagenomic diagnostics.

This is a hands-on laboratory role for an experienced Scientist with deep expertise in DNA extraction, library preparation, and molecular assay development. You’ll play a key role in designing, executing, and benchmarking workflows that underpin next-generation, automated pathogen sequencing systems intended for real-world clinical and public health use.

This is applied, translational science. Your work will directly influence the performance, robustness, and scalability of diagnostic technologies.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and executing experiments to evaluate DNA extraction and library preparation workflows
• Developing and applying quantitative and qualitative assays to benchmark performance
• Working with real clinical and environmental samples, including low-quality or contaminated material
• Identifying and quantifying contamination or carry-over within complex molecular workflows
• Recording, analysing, and presenting experimental data clearly and rigorously
• Collaborating closely with scientists and engineers working on diagnostics workflows and instrumentation
• Ensuring methods are transferable between manual and automated sequencing systems

What We’re Looking For

• PhD or equivalent experience in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with DNA extraction and molecular assay development
• Experience with library preparation and sequencing workflows (long-read experience a plus)
• Ability to design, optimise, and troubleshoot assays independently
• Comfortable working with clinical or real-world biological samples
• Strong attention to data quality, contamination control, and reproducibility
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in small, agile, cross-disciplinary teams

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on technologies with direct impact on infectious disease detection and public health
• Translational science with a clear path from lab to deployment
• High-quality facilities and strong long-term funding
• Close collaboration with engineering and product teams
• Real ownership over assay performance and workflow optimisation

Practicalities

• Predominantly on-site role based in Oxford
• Permanent right to work in the UK required (sponsorship considered case by case)

If you’re a hands-on scientist who enjoys solving real-world molecular biology problems and wants your work to make a tangible difference beyond the lab, this role is well worth a conversation.