PIPS Opportunities

Overview

QIAGEN is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions to transform biological materials into valuable molecular insights. QIAGEN sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective molecular testing workflows. QIAGEN provides these workflows to more
than 500,000 customers around the world.

QIAGEN employ approximately 6,000 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Our mission is to make improvements in life possible by enabling our customers to achieve outstanding success and breakthroughs in life sciences, applied testing, pharma and molecular diagnostics.

Our commitment to the markets, customers and patients we serve drives our innovation and investment in all areas where our Sample to Insight technologies are required. The exceptional talent, skill and passion of our employees are key to QIAGEN’s excellence, success and value.

Project Outline

At QIAGEN Manchester we focus on delivering solutions which facilitate personalised healthcare. You will join a
highly motivated team working on developing Molecular Diagnostic PCR-based assays

Key responsibilities:

• Design, plan and perform studies for individual research project to support the development of new
  diagnostic products
• Ensure that experiments are completed to the required quality and regulatory standards
• Analyse and present results in written reports
• Work as part of the product development team to ensure a safe and efficient laboratory environment

Requirements

• University degree and currently completing a PhD in a relevant field
• Experience in molecular biology (e.g. PCR, RT-PCR, primer design, dPCR, NGS)
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail
• Planning and problem solving
• Positive attitude and self-motivated

Skills developed during placement

• Work experience in a professional environment
• Experience in new molecular biology techniques
• Day to day work following quality and regulatory standards

Number of placements offered: Two placements per intake

Possible Timeframe: Expected intakes are September, January and May, for a minimum period of 12 weeks

Submit your application (CV & cover letter) to the following contacts at QIAGEN (please include the following in email subject: PhD placement – “your name”)

Brandon Foster ([email protected]
James Curran ([email protected])

MORF is a web-based platform for storing, sharing and interrogating multi-omics data. It was custom built in the Thomas group at York as part of the DETOX project, for which it is a key resource for analysing and disseminating project data. MORF is now being developed as a service for academics and industry to use for their own data, either for their own primary analysis and use or for data dissemination through publications and other routes.

We are looking for a PIPS intern with a strong interest in programming to work in the MORF team, developing the platform and delivering MORF projects for clients. As well as having the chance to put their coding skills to the test, the intern will join the exciting journey to commercialise MORF!

Candidate requirements

Essential:

• Experience of programming with Python and R.
• BSc in biology or a related subject
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable

• Web development with JavaScript
• Good knowledge of ‘omics technologies and microbiology

Placement

This opportunity is expected to be fulfilled remotely by a candidate with access to their own computer and internet, supported by in person meetings in York with the MORF team. The candidate will develop their coding skills and apply this to data visualization, integration and analysis problems to help improve the functionality of the tool. Experience in teamwork, time management and customer facing communication will be gained. There may also be opportunities to contribute to publications in this role.

Application Details

Please contact MORF Business Manager Joyce Bennett for informal enquiries and to submit your application and cover letter: [email protected]

Azotic Technologies Ltd is an innovative Biotech company specialising in the development and commercialisation of novel microbial biostimulants for the agricultural sector.

We are a global leader in Biological Nitrogen-Fixation (BNF) and are currently expanding our
commercial microbial product portfolio into markets in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Our
products provide fixed nitrogen across all crops, resulting in enhanced yield and plant health, savings on nitrogen fertiliser while reducing the environmental impact of intensive crop production.

With sites in the UK, Canada and North America, we are a rapidly developing company with a unique product portfolio and an exciting product pipeline beyond Nitrogen-fixation.

Azotic is currently embarking on an expansion program to meet our global objectives. This expansion includes significant growth in our global team and a substantial investment in our technical and operational infrastructure. We have recently moved into our bespoke Technical Development Centre in Dunnington, York housing up to 30 scientific and administrative employees.

We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people to join us on our exciting journey to enhance global food security.

Project Outline

You will be working in a highly skilled team investigating the effects of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd) and designed consortia of microorganisms on main crops and horticultural
crops, aimed at addressing challenges posed by global warming and to reduce the use of pesticides.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan and perform studies to support the development of new products
• Ensure that experiments are completed to the required quality and regulatory standards
• Analyse and present results in written reports
• Work as part of the product development team to ensure a safe and efficient laboratory
  environment

Skills developed during placement

• Work experience in a professional environment
• Multi-disciplinary skills in Biotechnology
• Day to day work following quality and regulatory standards
• Entrepreneurial skills

Requirements

• University degree and currently completing a PhD in a relevant field
• Experience in microbiology, biochemistry or plant physiology
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail
• Positive attitude and self-motivated

Contact: [email protected]

If needed, the host organisation is willing to provide additional funding for accommodation and travel.  If you are not sure how to approach this, please consult your local PIPS Contact.