Associate Experimental Scientist - NGS & Library Preparation (1 year Fixed Term)

Associate Experimental Scientist - NGS & Library Preparation (1 year Fixed Term)

Posted 2 weeks ago by CoSyne Therapeutics

Negotiable
Fixed-Term
Onsite
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Summary: The Associate Experimental Scientist role at CoSyne Therapeutics involves hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample and library preparation, focusing on generating high-quality DNA and RNA libraries. The position requires collaboration with Computational Biology and Experimental teams to ensure reproducible datasets and rigorous quality control. The role is primarily based at the Milner Therapeutics Institute in Cambridge, within a dynamic and collaborative environment. Candidates should have a background in molecular biology or related fields, with a strong preference for experience in Parse Biosciences workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare sequencing libraries for WGS, bulk RNA-seq, and single-cell assays, with a strong preference for experience with Parse Biosciences single-cell chemistry.
  • Extract, purify, and quantify DNA and RNA from diverse sample types following SOPs.
  • Perform fragmentation, end-repair/A-tailing, adaptor ligation, barcoding/indexing, PCR amplification, and cleanup.
  • Carry out stringent quality control using Qubit/UV spectrophotometry, TapeStation, and qPCR-based quantification.
  • Record all procedures, parameters, and results in the ELN/LIMS with version-controlled SOP adherence.
  • Maintain an organized NGS lab area and manage inventories of kits, enzymes, and consumables.
  • Collaborate with Experimental and Computational colleagues on experimental design and sample randomisation.
  • Support ordering and invoice processing, and contribute to equipment maintenance and calibrations.

Key Skills:

  • BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology, or related discipline or equivalent industry experience.
  • Proven hands-on experience preparing NGS libraries (WGS, bulk RNA-seq, single-cell); strong preference for Parse Biosciences single-cell library prep.
  • Proficiency with QC instrumentation (Qubit/NanoDrop, TapeStation) and qPCR-based quantification.
  • Meticulous record-keeping and excellent organizational skills.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Right to work in the UK.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: Cambridge

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: on-site

IR35 Status: fixed-term

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Other

Detailed Description From Employer:

About CoSyne Therapeutics CoSyne Therapeutics is a biotech innovator operating at the intersection of biology, AI and finance to unlock and rapidly advance overlooked treatments for patients with rare neurological disorders. Our multidisciplinary team spanning computational biology, AI, cellular science, and clinical expertise is united by a shared mission to bring hope to patients with unmet medical needs. Current programmes span neuro-oncology (low- and high-grade gliomas), genetic epilepsies, neuropathic pain, and demyelinating diseases.

The role We are seeking a motivated Associate Experimental Scientist with hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample and library preparation. You will generate high-quality DNA and RNA libraries for WGS, bulk RNA-seq, and single-cell sequencing (with a strong preference for experience using the Parse Biosciences workflow). You will work closely with our Computational Biology and Experimental teams to deliver reproducible datasets, maintain rigorous QC, and support study designs that power our discovery engine. Cell culture and broader molecular biology skills are welcome but not essential for this role. You will be based primarily at the Milner Therapeutics Institute (Cambridge Biomedical Campus), working in a collaborative, fast-moving environment with access to excellent facilities.

Requirements NGS sample and library preparation Extract, purify and quantify DNA and RNA from diverse sample types (cells, tissues, organoids) following SOPs Prepare sequencing libraries for WGS, bulk RNA-seq and single-cell assays; strong preference for experience with Parse Biosciences single-cell chemistry Perform fragmentation, end-repair/A-tailing, adaptor ligation, barcoding/indexing, PCR amplification and cleanup (SPRI bead-based) Optimise protocols for yield and quality; implement positive/negative controls and spike-ins as appropriate Quality control and run readiness Carry out stringent QC using Qubit/UV spectrophotometry, TapeStation (size distributions, RIN/DIN), and qPCR-based quantification Calculate molarity, normalise and pool libraries; prepare final pools for sequencing Coordinate submissions to core facilities and vendors; ensure accurate metadata capture and chain-of-custody Data and documentation Record all procedures, parameters and results in the ELN/LIMS (e.g., Benchling) with version-controlled SOP adherence Generate concise run reports and QC summaries for cross-functional reviews; hand off data and metadata cleanly to Computational Biology for downstream analysis Laboratory operations Maintain an organised NGS lab area; manage inventories of kits, enzymes and consumables; track lot numbers and expiry Support ordering and invoice processing; contribute to equipment maintenance and calibrations Uphold biosafety and contamination-control best practices (e.g., unidirectional workflows, UV decontamination) Collaboration and continuous improvement Partner with Experimental and Computational colleagues on experimental design, sample randomisation and batch-effect mitigation Pilot new kits and chemistries; contribute to SOP creation/refinement and troubleshooting Optional: support basic molecular biology (cloning, qPCR)

Essential About you BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Biotechnology or related discipline or equivalent industry experience Proven hands-on experience preparing NGS libraries (WGS, bulk RNA-seq, single-cell); strong preference for Parse Biosciences single-cell library prep Proficiency with QC instrumentation (Qubit/NanoDrop, TapeStation) and qPCR-based quantification; confident with molarity calculations and pooling strategies Meticulous record-keeping, excellent organisational skills, and high standards for data integrity and reproducibility Thrive in a fast-paced environment; proactive, curious, and solutions-oriented Collaborative mindset; value diverse viewpoints; be kind Right to work in the UK

Desirable Familiarity with Illumina-ecosystem chemistries and indexing strategies; awareness of UMIs and index hopping considerations Experience interfacing with sequencing cores and managing sample manifests/metadata Exposure to automation (e.g., Opentrons, Agilent Bravo) and liquid-handling best practices Experience with ELN/LIMS (e.g., Benchling) and basic scripting (R/Python) for QC plots highly desirable Basic cell culture and general molecular biology skills

Benefits Benefits and working arrangements Private health insurance and company life insurance policy Enhanced holiday package (25 days plus Christmas/New Year closure) All the perks of a start-up: team dinners/socials, flexible working, and a dynamic environment Offices in Soho, London; laboratory operations at the Milner Therapeutics Institute in Cambridge This role is primarily onsite in Cambridge and offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract

Equal Opportunities We are an inclusive workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

Right to work Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. All applicants will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.

Data privacy By applying you understand that, even if unsuccessful, the personal documentation and information you supply will be held in our recruitment system for a 6-month period, after which it will be permanently deleted.