Development Scientist
Oxford, United Kingdom - Full-TimeAbout Oxford Nanopore TechnologiesOxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe. The company’s goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere.
Oxford Nanopore has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology, enabling the real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 100 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis in fully scalable formats, from pocket to population-scale, and the only one that can sequence native DNA or RNA samples, with no restriction on read length.
The RoleOur Sample Technology team is responsible for the specification, development and performance of the company’s suite of nucleic acid sample preparation kits, and the development of end-to-end sample-to-answer workflows, all intimately associated with our sequencing platforms (e.g. MinION/GridION and PromethION).
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with relevant lab-based skills to join the team as a Development Scientist. The role is based at our Oxford headquarters and involves laboratory-based development, characterisation, troubleshooting and performance improvement across DNA and RNA sample-preparation workflows.
Formally reporting to the Sequencing Kit Development Associate Director, the successful candidate will work across multiple projects and be responsible for helping to deliver continuous improvement to the sample preparation kits, focussing on characterising, troubleshooting, and improving the performance of the biomolecular components contained within. In a highly collaborative role, you will work with various stakeholders, from the Research division through to Production.
Key Responsibilities- Initial design, iteration and characterisation of various biomolecular components within ONT’s sample preparation kits for various applications.
- Developing biochemical, biophysical and sequencing-based assays as well as method development for chromatography-based assays.
- Protein/DNA complex formation and chromatography-based purification.
- Routine use of our nanopore-based single molecule assays.
- Robust and thorough data analysis of any conducted experiments and accurate reporting to the wider team and division.
- Hands-on experience working with nucleic acids, proteins or biomolecular complexes in a laboratory setting.
- Familiarity in executing, troubleshooting and interpreting experiments accurately and effectively, with support n experimental design as needed
- Practical working knowledge of chromatographic (HPLC/LC-MS) methods for analysis or purification of DNA/RNA, proteins, small molecules or complex mixtures.
- Expertise with at least one relevant analytical or assay method, such as electrophoresis, RT-qPCR, fluorescence-based assays or sequencing-based assays.
- Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Knowledge of chromatography method development.
- Experience with assay optimisation, oligonucleotide design, library preparation, ONT platforms or other NGS technologies.
- Ability to analyse and visualise experimental data using Python, R, command-line tools or equivalent methods.
- BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field, with 1–2 years' relevant industrial or applied research experience; or equivalent experience.
We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.
If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!
Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.
About UsOxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.
Skills Required
- Hands-on experience working with nucleic acids, proteins or biomolecular complexes in a laboratory setting.
- Ability to design, execute, troubleshoot and interpret experiments accurately and effectively.
- Practical working knowledge of chromatographic (HPLC/LC-MS) methods for analysis or purification of DNA/RNA, proteins, small molecules or complex mixtures.
- Expertise with at least one analytical or assay method (electrophoresis, RT-qPCR, fluorescence-based assays or sequencing-based assays).
- Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical colleagues.
- PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field, or equivalent industrial/applied research experience.
- Knowledge of chromatography method development.
- Experience with assay optimisation, oligonucleotide design, library preparation, ONT platforms or other NGS technologies.
- Ability to analyse and visualise experimental data using Python, R, command-line tools or equivalent methods.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Oxford Nanopore Technologies and has not been reviewed or approved by Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered good to above average across many roles, with employer-provided ranges visible for several U.S. commercial and applications positions and company materials emphasizing market‑competitive base pay. Commercial and some senior technical posts, particularly in the U.S., are positioned as competitive and often paired with strong variable components.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — All‑employee share plans in the UK and a U.S. employee stock purchase plan indicate broad access to equity as part of total reward. Company communications highlight attractive bonus and share plans that add meaningful upside beyond base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — U.S. roles indicate strong health insurance and core protections, while official materials and country overviews reference private medical coverage and wellbeing support. These elements position the health package as a notable strength alongside cash compensation.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies Insights
What We Do
Our goal is to enable the analysis of anything, anywhere, by anyone. We have developed the world’s first and only nanopore DNA and RNA sequencing platform. It’s a new generation of sequencing technology — the only one to offer: scalability to portable or ultra-high throughput formats, real-time data delivery, and the ability to elucidate rich biological data. We are aiming to disrupt the way that biological analyses are currently performed, and open up new applications that have a profound, positive impact on society. Our devices offer real-time analysis, for rapid insights, in fully scalable formats — from pocket to population scale — and the technology is being used in more than 100 countries worldwide. Founded in 2005 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, the company now employs more than 600 people from multiple disciplines including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.
