Laboratory Scientist

GenoME are looking for a passionate laboratory scientist to join our enthusiastic team to contribute to the design and development of an in vitro diagnostics tool for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Position: Laboratory Scientist

Reference: 01/022023

Closing Date: 17th February 2023

Salary: Starting salary £31,000

Duration: Permanent

Background:

Blood tests, or ‘Liquid Biopsies’, show great potential for improved cancer diagnosis. They offer many advantages over conventional tissue biopsies such as speed and cost, in addition to being less invasive. Liquid Biopsies can also be used in conjunction with tissue biopsies, to enable monitoring of patient treatment responses, improving quality-of-life and longevity for cancer patients. 460,000 people a year are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer across the world, with survival outcomes amongst the worst of all cancer types. Unfortunately, due non-specific symptoms, it is often only diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, when it has already spread to secondary locations. The current blood test for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is wholly inadequate in terms of its accuracy, and there is currently no screening tool due to the lack of appropriate biomarkers.

GenoME Diagnostics are looking to add to our enthusiastic and collaborative team to build upon our pipeline of Liquid Biopsy tests. This exciting post will aim to utilise cutting-edge techniques to develop a blood test for the earlier and more accurate detection of pancreatic cancer. The successful candidate will report to the CEO and work in collaboration with
Professor Mullan’s laboratory at Queen’s University Belfast, offering the opportunity to work in both the commercial and academic settings, with comprehensive training, and additional networking opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Work in line with ISO 13485, GLP and GenoME’s Quality Management Systems.

- Contribute to the development, execution and recording of short to long term research and development plans, leading to the realisation of an in vitro diagnostic for the detection of pancreatic cancer.

- Identify, validate and optimise a multiplex panel of novel DNA methylation biomarkers.

- Develop, analyse and curate molecular datasets using cutting-edge methodologies and other techniques appropriate to area of research.

- Present regular progress reports, and industry relevant literature reviews, to members of the collaborative research group and external stakeholders.

- Assist in the preparation of public funding proposals and applications to external bodies.

- Support the Laboratory Manager in carrying out routine administrative tasks to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

- Contribute to research risk assessment activities.

- Plan own day-to day activity and forward planning within framework of the agreed research programme and tasks. Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

Essential Criteria:

• Masters’ degree in a biomedical science related field.
• At least 3 years recent relevant experience in standard molecular biology assays (e.g. qPCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, DNA extractions, conventional PCR, statistical analysis).
• Experience in preparing and delivering scientific presentations in a clear and concise manner to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research projects and laboratory maintenance.
• The desire to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Effective verbally and written communication.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be able to work autonomously without supervision.

Desirable Criteria:

• Have or about to obtain a PhD in a biomedical science related field.
• Experience in cancer biology, biomarker development, or closely related field.
• Experience in droplet digital PCR, liquid biopsy-related research, or blood DNA extraction.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis or integrated analysis of omic datasets including methylation datasets.
• Experience of working in an ISO 13485 development environment

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 17/02/2023
Reference ID: 01/022023