Applications are invited for a Sequencing Project Scientist to join the Page Group at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The UK is a world leader in SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing and the Quadram Institute has played a key role over the first 18 months of the pandemic sequencing over 50,000 samples as part of the COG-UK (COVID-19 genomics) consortium. We have sequenced samples from across East Anglia, the UK and internationally (Lebanon, Zimbabwe and Pakistan).

The virus genome data is combined with clinical and epidemiological datasets to help guide UK public health interventions and policies. We have made links with the Norfolk Test and Trace programme and provide lineage data for positive cases in the region, to help identify potential outbreaks.

Quadram Institute is continuing to sequence SARS-CoV-2 samples, supporting ongoing national studies such as the Real-time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT) Study, as well as samples from hospitals and community testing nationally and potentially internationally.

The role:

The post-holder will be part of a team who collect, process, sequence and analyse data from SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected from across the UK. The role will mainly focus on library preparation and sequencing on Illumina NextSeq, but will also include some sample preparation and Nanopore sequencing. Full training will be provided.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should possess a BSc in biological science (or similar degree) or equivalent experience and demonstrate some experience of working with Next Generation Sequencing, including skills in library preparation.  Experience with Nanopore or Illumina sequencing is desirable. Flexibility will be required to meet the ever changing landscape of the pandemic.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £25,568 to £31,384 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  There are two full-time posts available for a period of 9 months, with the possibility of extension depending on additional funding.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here, or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk  quoting reference 1004115.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship.  However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances.  If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the shortage occupation list.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sectors of society.  The Institute supports equality of opportunity within the workplace and expects all employees to share and display these values.  To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 6^th October 2021

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.