Background

COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) was created to deliver large-scale and rapid whole-genome virus sequencing to local NHS centres and the UK government. It consists of twelve academic partners, the four UK Public Health Agencies and the Sanger Institute. The QIB site covers Norfolk and parts of Suffolk and has sequenced approx. 1600 SARS-CoV-2 genomes to date – only Australia, Spain, India and the USA have sequenced more genomes than have been sequenced in Norfolk alone.

The virus genome data is combined with clinical and epidemiological datasets to help guide UK public health interventions and policies. We have made links with the Norfolk Test and Trace programme and provide lineage data for positive cases in the region, to help identify potential outbreaks.

The Role

The post holder will be part of a team who collect, process, sequence and analyse data from SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected from regional hospitals and beyond. The role will mainly focus on library preparation and sequencing on Illumina NextSeq, but will also include some sample preparation, RT-qPCR and nanopore sequencing.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates should possess a BSc (or MSc/PhD) in a biological field and demonstrate significant experience of working with Next Generation Sequencing, including library preparation. Expertise in RNA extraction and PCR is desirable, as is experience with nanopore or Illumina sequencing.

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £32,255 to £39,345 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on additional funding.

Further information and details of how to apply can be found here or contact the Human Resources team on [contact hidden] or [contact hidden] quoting reference 1003948.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide Tier 2 visa sponsorship.

About the Quadram Institute

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between [Employer hidden], the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park.