Research Associate in DNA Sequencing / Synthesis and DNA data storage

We are looking for a Research Associate (Post Doctorate) who is interested in joining our DNA data storage and London Biofoundry teams to pursue a PostDoc in the area of next-generation DNA synthesis and sequencing technologies with a particular focus DNA data storage, i.e., on how to store arbitrary binary information in synthetic DNA and how to read it back.

The position will be based at and co-supervised with the London Biofoundry on Imperial’s new White City campus within a thriving community of academics and biotech start-ups. Within this environment, the appointee will have the opportunity to develop collaborations with synthetic biologists and chemists as well as projects in partnership with industry and Imperial’s new AI flagship project Imperial X.

Duties and responsibilities

We are looking for a candidate with strong wetlab skills (DNA synthesis, assembly, cloning, cell and cell-free amplification strategies and sequencing) to work closely with our team of computer scientists, synthetic biologists and lab automation specialists. The London Biofoundry developed world-class capabilities in DNA technology including enzymatic DNA synthesis (DNA-Script), miniaturised high-throughput workflows (Echo and Biomek i7 platforms), single-molecule-imaging (Nikon) and NGS platforms (PacBio, Nanopore, Illumina).

You will be a member of our groups which focuses on high impact interdisciplinary research, i.e., novel DNA technologies, assay formats and developing ground-breaking data storage techniques.

Responsibilities of the position include:

• perform research on DNA data storage
• work with Ph.D. students, help directing their research and help in disseminating results
• support teaching efforts
• support the acquisition of new research and industrial projects
• plan and carry out experiments
• be able to work independently and very focused to meet ambitious timelines.

Essential requirements

A successful candidate has a background in biology/chemistry (or related) with research interests which significantly overlap with DNA data storage. A candidate will also have skills in the following areas:

• Synthetic biology
• DNA sequencing including library preparation, QC and NGS analysis pipelines
• DNA synthesis and assembly
• Enzyme and assay development
• lab automation
• analytical methods like LC-MS and HPLC

Basic data analysis skills (bioinformatics tools for sequence alignment etc.) are expected.

You must have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently and prioritise work to meet deadlines. Specifically, this means both explaining and understanding concepts from your own field to colleagues in other fields. Excellent oral and written communication skills are mandatory. Please note that only candidates with publications in the relevant areas will be considered.

• Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

Further information

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:

• A full CV, with a list of all publications
• A 2-page research statement indicating what you see are interesting research issues relating to the above post and why your expertise is relevant.
• Publication list

Informal enquiries related to the position should be directed to Dr Thomas Heinis: t.heinis@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process contact Jamie Perrins: j.perrins@imperial.ac.uk

• Research Associate JD.pdf