Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform

About the role

<p><strong>Position Summary:</strong></p> <p>We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to join our Molecular Biology platform within the High Throughput Laboratory.</p> <p>Reporting to the Scientific Manager, this role will be responsible for delivering high-quality molecular biology workflows that underpin Quotient's somatic genomics platform. Working closely with Histology, Flow Cytometry, Assay Development, Automation and Data Science, you will support the processing of human tissue-derived samples from nucleic acid extraction through to sequencing-ready libraries.</p> <p>The successful candidate will combine excellent technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement, working collaboratively across scientific teams to optimise workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges and help implement new technologies into routine laboratory operations.</p> <p>This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys operating in a fast-paced biotechnology environment, is passionate about molecular biology, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a growing high-throughput genomics platform.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities:&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Execute high-quality molecular biology workflows including DNA and RNA extraction from human tissues and isolated cells/nuclei.</li> <li>Perform nucleic acid quantification, quality assessment and fragmentation to support downstream sequencing applications.</li> <li>Prepare high-quality NGS libraries using a variety of library preparation methodologies.</li> <li>Support implementation, optimisation and routine operation of automated molecular biology workflows.</li> <li>Troubleshoot molecular biology workflows, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reproducibility and throughput.</li> <li>Work closely with Histology and Flow Cytometry teams to ensure seamless progression of samples through the High Throughput Laboratory.</li> <li>Support implementation of new technologies and molecular biology methods developed by Assay Development into routine laboratory operations.</li> <li>Maintain accurate laboratory records using Benchling and associated laboratory information systems.</li> <li>Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems, the Human Tissue Act, COSHH and all relevant laboratory procedures.</li> <li>Contribute to SOP development, protocol optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the Molecular Biology platform.</li> <li>Support training and mentoring of junior Research Associates where appropriate.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications:</strong></p> <p><u>Essential</u></p> <ul> <li>BSc, MSc or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related life science discipline.</li> <li>Significant hands-on experience working within a molecular biology laboratory (typically 3–5+ years in industry or equivalent).</li> <li>Demonstrated experience extracting high-quality DNA and RNA from a variety of biological sample types.</li> <li>Hands-on experience performing nucleic acid fragmentation and quality assessment.</li> <li>Experience preparing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) libraries.</li> <li>Experience operating within a high-throughput laboratory environment.</li> <li>Experience using laboratory automation or supporting automated molecular biology workflows.</li> <li>Excellent laboratory organisation, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.</li> <li>Experience working under the Human Tissue Act and associated quality systems.</li> <li>Experience using ELN/LIMS platforms (Benchling preferred).</li> <li>Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.</li> </ul> <p><u>Desirable</u></p> <ul> <li>Experience with NanoSeq or similar ultra-sensitive sequencing assays.</li> <li>Knowledge of somatic genomics, mutation detection and cancer genomics workflows.</li> <li>Experience working with Fixed and fresh frozen tissue.</li> <li>Exp

Skills