Omics-Insights: Your Weekly Genomics & Proteomics Digest

Greetings, Omics Enthusiasts!

Welcome to our latest Omics Newsletter, your portal to the freshest updates and innovations in genomics. This week's newsletter brings you the latest updates from the dynamic world of Omics. In this edition, we bring you an array of exciting developments, including Danaher and Stanford's collaboration on cutting-edge spatial biology tools for cancer drug screening, MGI Tech and Predica Diagnostics’ partnership to create rapid and affordable RNA sequencing tests, Element Biosciences’ $277M funding round aimed at advancing DNA sequencing technology, Thermo Fisher's $3.1B acquisition of Olink to enhance their proteomics capabilities, and Illumina's acquisition of Fluent BioSciences to bolster their multiomics strategy. Additionally, we’re featuring current live roles at Kinetica and expert job hunting tips from an Omics Specialist Recruiter on how to prepare for interviews in 2024. Dive in for the latest news and opportunities in the dynamic world of Omics!

This week's latest news in the field of Omics:

Innovations in Spatial Biology for Cancer Drug Screening

Danaher and Stanford Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Spatial Biology Tools

Danaher’s Leica Microsystems and Stanford University’s Department of Bioengineering have announced an exciting collaboration aimed at revolutionizing cancer drug screening through spatial biology. The partnership will leverage advanced microscopy and AI to detect spatial, proteomic, and metabolic changes within tumor microenvironments, potentially improving the prediction of therapeutic responses.

Emma Lundberg, Associate Professor of Bioengineering and Pathology at Stanford, emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of this research. “We aim to understand treatment responses based on protein expression differences across tumor regions using the latest microscopy and AI tools,” she said.

Chandra Ramanathan, VP and Head of External Innovation at Danaher’s DH Life Sciences highlighted the potential impact: “By addressing the complexities of the tumor microenvironment, we aim to enhance drug screening and bring safer, more effective drugs to cancer patients.”

This collaboration is part of the Danaher Beacons program, which fosters partnerships in genomic medicine, precision diagnostics, and more. While financial details remain undisclosed, the initiative marks a significant step in spatial biology and cancer treatment innovation.

Advancements in RNA-Based Cancer Screening

MGI Tech and Predica Diagnostics Team Up for RNA Sequencing

MGI Tech has partnered with Predica Diagnostics, a Dutch oncology diagnostics firm, to develop RNA-based cancer screening tests. This collaboration aims to combine MGI’s advanced sequencing technology with Predica’s proprietary RNA sequencing (ciRNA-seq) for rapid, accurate, and affordable cancer detection.

Yong Hou, MGI's General Manager for Europe and Africa, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact on personalized medicine: “Combining our sequencing technology with Predica's diagnostic kits will significantly advance personalized medicine.”

Significant Funding for Sequencing Technology Expansion

Element Biosciences Raises $277M in Series D Funding

Element Biosciences has secured over $277 million in Series D funding, led by Wellington Management, bringing its total funding to over $680 million. The funds will help commercialize their benchtop DNA sequencer, Aviti, and prepare for the launch of Aviti24, which integrates sequencing with multiomic cellular profiling.

CEO Molly He remarked, “Element aims to democratize sequencing, making high-quality, affordable tools accessible to more scientists.”

Thermo Fisher Completes Acquisition of Olink for $3.1B

Thermo Fisher Scientific has finalized its $3.1 billion acquisition of proteomics firm Olink. This acquisition enhances Thermo Fisher’s proteomics capabilities with Olink’s high-plex immunoassay Explore HT platform, which measures over 5,300 proteins in plasma.

Marc Casper, Thermo Fisher’s CEO, emphasized the importance of protein research in precision medicine: “Olink’s solutions complement our mass spectrometry and life sciences offerings, advancing our understanding of human biology.”

Illumina Acquires Fluent BioSciences for Single-Cell Technology

Illumina has acquired Fluent BioSciences, a single-cell technology company, to bolster its multiomics strategy. Fluent’s PIPseq technology will be integrated into Illumina’s product portfolio, advancing their single-cell analysis capabilities.

Steven Barnard, Illumina’s CTO, noted, “Fluent’s innovative single-cell method will enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive multiomics solutions.”

Current Live Roles at Kinetica:

Account Manager – Proteomics - Belgium

Account Manager – Proteomics - Switzerland

Inside Sales – Proteomics - Benelux

Business Development Manager - Proteomics Reagents - DACH

Business Development Manager - Proteomics Reagents - USA

Account Manager – Mid-Atlantic – Genomics reagents

Sales Specialist - NGS - Boston

Director of Product Management - LS Capital Equipment - Europe

Director of Applications - Genomics - West Coast

Job Hunting Tips from an Omics Specialist Recruiter: How to prepare for a interview in 2024.

As a specialist recruiter in the omics field, I’ve seen what sets successful candidates apart during the interview process. Whether you’re in genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics, these tips will help you make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing that dream job.

1. Research the Company

Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with their technology platforms and products.

Pro Tip: Review the company’s website, press releases, and industry publications to show your genuine interest.

2. Understand the Job Description

Match your skills and experiences to the job’s requirements. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the role’s responsibilities.

Pro Tip: List the key requirements and note specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.

3. Review Technical Skills

Refresh your knowledge of the specific technologies and methodologies relevant to the job, such as NGS, mass spectrometry, or bioinformatics tools.

Pro Tip: Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms.

4. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Reflect on past experiences and prepare stories that showcase your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.

Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

5. Highlight Soft Skills

Be ready to discuss how you’ve demonstrated communication, collaboration, and time management skills in previous roles.

Pro Tip: Provide specific examples of successful teamwork, project management, or communication.

6. Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers about the company’s future projects, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities.

Pro Tip: Save questions about salary and benefits for later in the process.

7. Practice

Rehearse answers to common interview questions with a friend or mentor to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.

Pro Tip: Record a mock interview to evaluate and improve your delivery.

8. Follow-Up

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing appreciation and reiterating your interest in the role.

Pro Tip: Keep your thank-you note concise and professional.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to showcase your expertise and make a strong impression during your interview. Good luck!

Wrapping Up Another Omics-Insights:

Thank you for embarking on a journey into the dynamic world of Omics with Kinetica! Explore the latest genomics job opportunities, stay informed with industry news, and indulge in insightful blogs at www.kinetica.co.uk . Your curiosity drives my commitment to relevant content, and I'm here to provide insights that fuel your scientific endeavors. Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. Wishing you ongoing inspiration and discovery in your scientific pursuits. Until next week, may your experiments yield groundbreaking results, and may your Omics journey remain as fascinating as the science itself!