Sequencing Platform Operator

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Job Title:

Contract Sequencing Platform Operator

Department:
Sequencing Assay Development

Location:

Roche Diagnostics, Cape Town, South Africa

Employment Type:

Contract (12 months)

The Sequencing Assay Development team is seeking a dedicated Contract Sequencing Specialist to join us on a 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract. In this position you will assume primary operational ownership of Axelios 1 sequencing systems. This role directly supports research and development projects by ensuring consistent instrument performance, precise protocol execution, and high data quality across experimental runs.

• Instrument Operation:
  Prepare reagents, load libraries, and execute sequencing runs on Axelios 1 platforms following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• System Maintenance:
  Perform weekly instrument washes, sensor calibrations, and routine preventative maintenance to maximize system availability.
• Sample Prep Support:
  Assist scientists in sample pooling, conduct basic quality control checks, and submit pools to sequencing queue app.
• Inventory Management:
  Monitor inventory for platform-specific consumables and reagents, escalates the need for orders.
• Troubleshooting & Escalation:
  Diagnose routine run errors, software flags, or hardware anomalies; liaise directly with internal specialist and/or Axelios core team members for technical resolution.
• Data Management & Logging:
  Maintain thorough laboratory records, tracking run metrics, flow cell performance, failure rates, and maintenance logs as deemed necessary by the Axelios core laboratory.
• Research and development collaboration:
  Partner with research and development scientists to schedule runs, test experimental formulations, and provide feedback on instrument performance should it be required.
• Small Axelios Instrument specific projects:
  When necessary, design and perform Axelios run experiments to test elements of Axelios run performance.

• Education:
  
  BSc (Hons), BTech, or MSc in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Practical
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating automated liquid handlers;
  Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms or similar instrumentation within an R&D, industrial, or diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Core
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in operating and maintaining automated lab hardware, molecular biology assay workflows, basic laboratory management skills.
• Quality Standards:
  Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO Quality Management Systems.
• Attributes:
  High attention to detail, strong troubleshooting abilities, strong collaboration skills and self-directed time management.

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