Job Details
QIB Extra carries out bespoke research for small and large companies within the food, health and allied industries. Working with modern facilities and equipment, and with the support of experts at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), QIB Extra offers a wide range of services to industry.
A position has arisen within QIB Extra for a highly experienced molecular microbiologist to undertake the role of Sequencing Lead, supporting the delivery of commercial contracts involving the application of next-generation sequencing and microbial genomics. The successful applicant will lead projects undertaken in this area and will be responsible for developing project proposals to meet customer specifications, ensuring the scientific quality of work undertaken, overseeing sequencing workflows, analysing and interpreting genomic data, and contributing to the technical content and scientific conclusions of customer reports.
The role will require someone who is comfortable working independently and delivering projects within agreed timeframes. The primary working relationships will be with other QIB Extra staff, the QIB Core Sequencing Team and commercial clients.
The role will have a significant hands-on component, with the successful candidate expected to deliver and oversee the laboratory aspects of defined projects using their expertise in both short- and long-read sequencing technologies. This will include sample processing and DNA extraction, DNA quality assessment, library preparation and sequencing using Oxford Nanopore long-read and Illumina short-read platforms. Applications will include amplicon sequencing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomic analysis.
Subject to experience, the role may also involve the analysis and interpretation of complex genomic and metagenomic datasets, and the ability to translate sequencing results, bioinformatic outputs and the scientific methodology applied into clear, robust customer reports that can be understood by both technical experts and non-specialists. Experience in the bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data would therefore be beneficial.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to identify and resolve technical issues throughout the sequencing workflow and to critically assess the quality, limitations and significance of the resulting data.
The successful candidate will be expected to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, managing multiple projects and delivering high-quality results to specified deadlines. They will also be required to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues, providing scientific and technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from initial project design through to data interpretation and final reporting.
QIB Extra is a small company, and the successful candidate will therefore be expected to demonstrate a flexible and collaborative approach, and to support other areas of the business as required. This may include contributing to food safety projects and laboratory activities within the Category 3 (CL3) facility, alongside their primary sequencing responsibilities.
This post is initially offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract. Salary on appointment will be competitive and dependent on qualifications and experience.
To apply for this vacancy, please send a copy of your CV along with a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you feel the role is suitable for you to info@qibextra.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is 14/10/2026.