Core Rsch Facil Specialist I - NextGen DNA Sequencing

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

This role involves performing basic assays for quality control and sample preparation for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Responsibilities include constructing and assessing Illumina, PacBio, and Nanopore libraries, planning, validating, setting up, and executing sequencing runs on various instruments, and maintaining and troubleshooting these instruments. The position also requires developing and implementing new NGS protocols, documenting all work, and communicating effectively with supervisors, core personnel, and clients. Additionally, the role includes sample intake functions, contributing to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), assisting with administrative duties for a fee-for-service facility, participating in staff hiring and management, maintaining inventory, and training new staff. The specialist will also lead efforts in evaluating new laboratory methods and services, manage sample tracking and disposal, and perform general lab maintenance and organization.

Requirements

BA/BS and 3 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Core or technology-specific licensure and/or certifications, where applicable.
Yearly certificate and compliance training if required.

Nice To Haves

Genomic DNA purification, quantification and manipulation, PCR, NGS DNA library construction and quality assessment/evaluation.
Use of robotics for high throughput processing of molecular biology samples.
Hands-on experience with Illumina, PacBio and/or ONT NGS instrumentation and technology.
Basic laboratory citizenship including organization of equipment and supply inventory.
Instrument run coordination and maintenance.
Preparation of common buffers and solutions.
Computer literacy in Windows/UNIX systems, Microsoft office package.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), iLAB and laboratory information management system (LIMS).

Responsibilities

Perform basic assays for quality control and sample preparation for NGS, including quantification, sizing, size selection, cleanup, and DNA fragmentation.
Construct and perform quality assessment of Illumina, PacBio, and Nanopore libraries.
Plan, validate, set up, and execute Illumina MiSeq i100, NovaSeq X Plus, PacBio Revio, and/or Nanopore MinION and PromethION sequencing runs.
Maintain Illumina MiSeq i100, NovaSeq X Plus, PacBio Revio and Nanopore MinION/PromethION instruments and troubleshoot failed runs.
Coordinate repair services for sequencing instruments and support equipment.
Perform verification, validation, and troubleshooting of work processes for Illumina, PacBio and Nanopore platforms.
Document all work using established lab tracking sheets and digital documentation tools.
Develop, adapt, test, troubleshoot, and implement new protocols for NGS library construction and other NGS workflows.
Communicate with supervisor and other core personnel about experimental results.
Work with supervisor to define deliverables and timelines for project completion.
Consult and communicate with internal and external clients regarding experimental planning, services, and troubleshooting.
Perform NGS sample intake functions using ICBR-LIMS, such as receiving and logging samples or requests for services.
Contribute to the preparation, updating, and organization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assist Scientific Director with administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation, i.e., fee/charge entry.
Participate in hiring staff and managing staff performance.
Contribute to the maintenance of a complete inventory of reagents, consumables, and equipment used for NGS sequencing.
Assist in training and assessment of new staff.
Lead efforts at evaluating new laboratory methods for the implementation of new services in the NGS core.
Revision of sample sheets, tracking, and disposal of samples in MyBiotech.
Freeze and fridge maintenance and documentation in MyBiotech.
Perform maintenance operations for the TapeStation (i.e., periodic restart of software).
Help in laboratory organization, cleaning, and general maintenance.
Receive, store, and document orders arriving at the lab.
Help send off outgoing parcels when requested.
Keep abreast of new developments in the NGS field through the literature and scientific meetings.
Help in the training of other personnel in the NGS Core group.
Participate in cross-training activities in the NGS core and ICBR as necessary or as requested by the lab director.
Other duties as assigned.