Xelect is one of the largest aquaculture genetics companies, providing broodstock management and genetic improvement programmes for some of the best known producers globally. We support around 30 breeding programmes, in 12 different countries for 13 different species, including finfish, shrimp and bivalves.
We provide our customers with a full range of genetic services and technologies, ranging from strategic consultancy for government agencies to full genomic selection programmes for some of the biggest producers in the industry.
Our Laboratory team are integral to everything we do at Xelect. With an expert team of molecular biologists, geneticists, aquaculture specialists and bioinformaticians behind you, you will support the breeding programmes for our internal customers, through efficient sample processing and delivery of high quality genetic data. You will also help to service our smaller aquaculture producers through our rapid response laboratory services.
Our sector and company is growing fast, as we take on new customers all around the world, developing selective breeding programmes for new and established species, implementing and using the latest technologies. For our customers, working with you will be like having access to their own in-house genetics team, and you will work closely with the breeding programme managers to help them deliver and optimize their selective breeding programmes.
The life of a Scientific Officer
The role requires a good understanding of molecular biology techniques to support the routine sample processing for our customers, evaluating run performance & data quality and ensuring our high quality standards are met throughout.
As we are at the forefront of a new and world leading industry we are constantly evolving our laboratory space and finding new solutions to improve and/or increase our service portfolio to make it as varied, challenging and rewarding as possible. In 2024, we plan to expand our laboratory space to introduce new genomic technologies and instrumentation to increase our sample throughput and further benefit our customers’ needs. As a key member in a focused team your input and ideas will directly influence how we work and the quality of the services we provide.
Key aspects of the role include:
Developing new genetic tools for various finfish & shellfish aquaculture species.
Smooth and efficient routine processing of samples (e.g. DNA extraction, library preparation & sequencing) in accordance to our strict Standard Operating Procedures, and liaising with the Laboratory, Analytical and Breeding Programme Management teams to ensure timely delivery of data.
Performing and delivering the necessary genetic analyses using our custom built packages where needed
Maintaining our state-of-the-art laboratory while proactively seeking suggesting new ideas, tools and concepts to improve our genetic portfolio.
Handling large datasets & working with our in-house bioinformatics & data management pipelines for upholding and maintaining high quality standards.
Backed by a team of experts
You'll be backed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary technical team of aquaculture experts, quantitative geneticists, bioinformaticians, software developers, molecular biologists and a strong commercial team. Our headquarters are in the medieval university town of St Andrews on the East coast of Scotland. We have a modern office building and a dedicated laboratory with three Illumina® DNA sequencers. We have developed industry-leading genetic and bioinformatic pipelines including advanced mate selection software and new technologies for genomic selection. We work closely with several leading academic institutions, including the world-leading Roslin Institute.
A culture of excellence
As you would expect from a company that was initially a spinoff from the prestigious University of St Andrews, we set a very high bar for the scientific rigour of our work. We are continually working to advance the boundaries of our sector, and frequently participate in multi-national research programmes in aquaculture genetics and breeding. We retain active links with many leading scientific and academic institutions. We are committed to supporting your development including attendance to key networking events such as trade shows, online webinars and conferences.
As a recent example, Xelect was the lead industry partner on AQUA-FAANG, a 4 year EU funded programme to generate genome wide functional maps for the six most commercially valuable species in European Aquaculture. Xelect provided genetic consultancy, developing genetic tools for the project and also contributing research outputs, including a major white paper.
We have recently been acquired by Genus PLC, is a world leader in the field of pig and bovine genetics, and we enjoy extensive scientific and technical collaboration with them on R&D projects.
Your skillsets
Our Scientific Officers are highly experienced, adaptable and motivated individuals, who can work well under pressure as part of a teamand independently, have fantastic communication skills and most importantly, maintain high accuracy and high quality standards under a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment. Your skills and qualifications will include:
- A minimum of a BSc relating to genetics, molecular biology or biochemistry or proven equivalent academic or industrial experience.
- Proficiency in a range of molecular techniques particularly DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR, high-throughput genotyping and marker discovery.
- Extensive practical experience with NGS workflows (e.g. library preparation and handling Illumina® platforms) ideally in a high throughput sample processing lab environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and adherence to SOPs & GLPs
- Excellent data recording, management and computer literacy skills (i.e. Microsoft Office) with experience working with large SNP genotype datasets
- Proficiency with programming platforms such R or Linux, including dealing with NGS data
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Ability to foresee and troubleshoot issues independently
- Basic knowledge of statistics
- High levels of motivation and a collaborative mindset, with a desire to constantly improve our service
Additional desirable skills include:
- Practical experience in developing & optimising automated high-throughput liquid handling workflows
- Practical experience in primer and assay development and use of genomic resource tools such as NCBI and Ensembl.
- Proficiency in other languages
- MSc, PhD or experience in aquaculture genetics or any related fields
Working at Xelect
The culture at Xelect is vibrant, welcoming, challenging and rewarding. When you join Xelect you're joining the forefront of genetics in aquaculture. We're a fast growing, entrepreneurial and pioneering team of scientists and commercial professionals. Our base, Horizon House, is home to a smart, proactive and international team of experts from a range of backgrounds, where every single person has the opportunity to make a difference.
We offer a 'hybrid' working pattern, combining office days and working from home. Our environment is extremely inclusive. The role has a competitive salary, a workplace pension scheme and will be based in St Andrews, Scotland.
Our values
Excellence: We believe in what we’re doing, and we’re committed to doing it well. We aim to set the standards for our industry, rather than meet them.
Curiosity: We share what we’re doing, welcome input from others and are always thinking about creative, cost effective and commercially relevant solutions for our customers.
Teamwork: Xelect is one team – we tackle challenges together, celebrate success together and look out for one another as people.
Integrity: Our customers trust us to always put their best interests at heart. We take that responsibility seriously and commit to always conducting ourselves ethically.
Want to find out more?
To apply please send a current CV and a covering letter to hello@xelect.co.uk, along with contact details of two referees. References will only be contacted after a successful interview. If you would like to make any enquiries about the role please email hello@xelect.co.uk. We are happy to arrange a confidential conversation with one of our existing Scientific Officers if you would like to discuss the role informally.