Associate Scientist (Laboratory Automation) (F/T)

About Oxford Genetics: We are a specialised contract research organisation offering services to support the discovery, development and production of biologics, with a particular focus on viral vectors for gene therapy applications. Leaders in synthetic biology, our portfolio spans expertise in DNA design, expression system optimisation, cell line development and engineering of viral delivery systems. We are based in purpose-fitted laboratories on The Oxford Science Park, just south of central Oxford.

We are in a phase of rapid expansion and are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists and engineers to join the team and help facilitate the next stage of our development as a company. 

The Position Offered: We seek an enthusiastic and self-starting laboratory technician to program, test and maintain our growing suite of liquid-handling robots. The appointee will work closely with scientists from both our molecular biology and cell line engineering teams to support our commercial and research efforts alike.

The appointee will develop strategies for the rapid implementation and deployment of robotic protocols to automate common wet lab tasks. The primary responsibilities of the appointee will be to confer with project lead scientists to specify and design these protocols, and to set up one or more robots accordingly. This will involve taking an inventory and ordering the necessary consumables and adaptors, building a safe and reliable moveset program, verifying and testing that program before advancing it to production, troubleshooting that program should any complications arise, and taking responsibility for that program’s documentation and version control. Secondary responsibilities could include contributing to plans for further laboratory robotisation, working to design and build bespoke robotic integration solutions for a diversity of life sciences equipment, and optimising our existing robotic protocols, depending on interest and expertise.

This is an entry-level position and, as such, no prior experience working with liquid-handling robots is expected. Full training on our automation platforms will be provided.

 
The Applicant Sought:

•    The successful applicant will have some significant experience working in a laboratory environment. Particular preference will be given to applicants coming from a biological sciences background, or those who have programmed liquid-handlers (e.g. Hamilton or Tecan) or similar (e.g. CNC) machines. The successful applicant without any knowledge of biological sciences will demonstrate an interest in and willingness to learn about the basics of genetic engineering.

•    An interest in and enthusiasm for working with programmable devices is essential. Preference will be given to embedded systems hobbyists who have Arduinos, Raspberry Pis or similar at home.

•    The successful applicant will have an eye for detail, and will appreciate the need to follow GLP (good laboratory practice) protocols. Experience working in controlled manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

•    Some practical experience of molecular biology techniques is advantageous, including – but not limited to – ligations, restriction digests, PCR, gel extraction and nucleic acid quantitation.

The Benefits Offered:

•    Work alongside scientists and engineers in an energetic, stimulating and interdisciplinary environment to help build a Sonovate 2016 Top 50 Fastest Growing company at the forefront of the biotechnology revolution.

•    Great opportunities for career progression and personal development. Let us invest in you with generous allowances for training courses, conferences and technical meetups.

•    Assume responsibility for and ownership of your projects from day one. Know that your work will have a clear and visible impact on our day-to-day operations.

•    Twenty-five days’ plus bank holidays’ annual leave, frequent company away days, flexible working hours, a relaxed and casual office culture, and an employer-matched pension scheme.

The position offered is full-time, to start immediately, working from our offices on The Oxford Science Park. The appointee will work closely with and report to our Head of Bioinformatics.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship 

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age

Salary: £20,000 – £25,000 p. a. D.O.E

Please apply online for the Associate Scientist (Laboratory Automation) position with your CV and covering letter. 

Please check your email for confirmation that your application has been received and to follow further instructions if applicable.