Experienced metagenomic sequencing expert for microbial surveillance - København, Danmark - Statens Serum Institut

Beskrivelse

If you have experience in metagenomic sequencing, NGS method development, laboratory automation and thrive in a dynamic laboratory environment – then you may be the perfect match for our group at Statens Serum Institut.

About the Department for Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi

The position is located in the Sequencing and Bioinformatic Section as part of the Department for Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi at Statens Serum Institut. The department is responsible for monitoring bacterial infections in humans, antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and providing specialized microbial diagnostic testing. Our group encompasses multiple specialities, such as bioinformaticians, data scientists, software developers, epidemiologists, microbiologists, and molecular biologists. The Section presently has ~30 employees spanning both a wet and a dry lab that collectively work to maintain our sequencing and bioinformatic core units, which are at the centre of our obligations in bacterial surveillance and form the basis of a wide array of research activities.

The position

We are looking for a sequencing specialist with hands-on experience in metagenomic sequencing and method development on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms to expand our central wet-lab development team. The methods are intended for implementation on liquid handling robots (Hamilton and Biomek), and as such, a flair for automation and robotics is advantageous. In addition to being part of various projects related to method development, day-to-day operations for routine surveillance will also require your participation. This includes maintenance of equipment and improvement to current protocols. As part of our team, you will work as an integrated member of the development team and collaborate closely with the section's laboratory technicians.

Your key responsibilities will be:

• Perform metagenomic sequencing experiments using advanced laboratory technology.
  
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians and researchers to integrate metagenomic sequencing data with epidemiological information for comprehensive analysis.
  
• Implement quality assurance protocols to monitor and maintain the quality of laboratory processes and data.
  
• Contribute to the development of novel methodologies and protocols for metagenomic sequencing in public health and clinical microbiology.
  
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design research studies aimed at investigating microbial diversity, evolution, and transmission dynamics of human and animal pathogens.
  
• Evaluate emerging technologies and scientific literature to stay abreast of advancements in metagenomic sequencing and related fields.
  
• Collaborate with public health officials, epidemiologists, and clinicians to provide actionable insights based on metagenomic sequencing data for disease surveillance and outbreak investigations.
  
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and grant proposals.
  
  Your education, experience, and qualification
  
  You have an MSc or PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Please note that your master's degree must be equivalent to a Danish master's degree (two years 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc + 180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc). In addition to this, we expect you to have:
  • Applied research experience with metagenomic sequencing.
    
  • Project management skills.
    
  • Experience and knowledge within clinical microbiology and molecular biology, preferably within the fields of antimicrobial resistance.
    
  • Basic understanding of metagenomic sequence analysis and programming in R or similar.
    
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team.
    
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
    
    The role offers an opportunity to engage in diverse research projects and contribute to new advancements in public health.
    
    We offer you
    
    A position within a growing team focusing on the application of next-generation tools for improving surveillance of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. The tasks and projects will be highly variable, and your input will be crucial to our collective success. We are committed to providing a positive work environment and work/life balance which we believe is essential to our team's success. We value social aspects at work and encourage our employees to participate in team-building and other social activities.
    
    Further information
    
    About the position, please contact Head of Section; Marc Stegger at or at
    
    

    Terms of employment
    
    The employment will be in accordance with the terms of the current collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Central Organization of Academics (overenskomst for akademikere i staten).
    
    

    The position is temporary, and runs until 31st of January 2027.
    
    

    Application
    
    Send your application with your CV, proof of education electronically. Click "apply" to send your job application. Interviews are expected to be held in week 18.
    
    

    We look forward to receiving your application.