I have been working in the NHS Molecular Diagnostics Centre in Oxford where the primary focus has been on developing new protocols to detect mutations in cancer patients using circulating cell free DNA (ccfDNA) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) derived DNA using next generation sequencing. The duties involved in this post have included:• Performing germline, ccfDNA and FFPE DNA extractions using various protocols.• Carrying out a validation of Next Generation Sequencing for mutation detection in samples obtained from cancer patients and comparing with it existing technologies already used in the NHS laboratory.• Quantification of DNA and subsequent libraries for next generation sequencing using the Qubit Fluorometer, NanoDrop and Taqman or SYBR green real-time PCR assays.• Designing primers for PCR and optimisation of long range endpoint PCR protocols.• Sequencing of ccfDNA samples from cancer patients on the Life Technologies PGM platform. Library preparations were carried out using the Ion Ampliseq Cancer Hotspot Panel or custom panels.• Developing a protocol for the DNA probe hybridization and target capture of ccfDNA libraries to sequence targeted regions of hundreds of genes on the Illumina HiSeq platform. This work is being carried out in collaboration with a start-up company to detect mutations in patients with early stage cancer.• Developing and validating a novel protocol for the non-invasive prenatal detection of sickle cell anaemia. • Writing SOPs and carrying out procedures adhering to ISO standard 15189 in a GCLP compliant environment.• Working closely with healthcare economists and the laboratory business manager.• Presenting my work in lab meetings and discussing papers at journal clubs.