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Robert James is a Lead Scientist in the Applied Sequencing Group at the EIT. His work focuses on developing a fully integrated, sample-to-result metagenomic diagnostics platform designed for use at or near the point of care. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of quantitative assays that guide device optimisation, working across chemistry, biology, and engineering in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Before joining EIT, Robert worked in the Quince High Resolution Microbiomics Group at both the Quadram Institute of Bioscience and the Earlham Institute. His research there centred on advancing molecular methods for long-read metagenomic sequencing from complex environmental and biological samples, including soil, faeces, and anaerobic digesters, and on the creation and benchmarking of novel bioinformatic tools. Key achievements included developing a robust long-read compatible DNA extraction protocol for challenging sample types and contributing to the development and publication of metaMDBG, a metagenomic assembly tool for PacBio and Oxford Nanopore sequencing data.

Robert previously held a postdoctoral research position in the Wellington Group at the University of Warwick, where he investigated molecular detection strategies for Mycobacterium bovis in agricultural environmental samples, environmental plasmid mediated antibiotic resistance, and contributed data to the STRONG (Strain Resolution on Assembly Graphs) project, aimed at improving strain-level resolution in metagenomic datasets.

He holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter, an MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London, and a PhD in Carnivore PopulationGenetics from the University of Brighton.

Outside the lab, Robert enjoys hiking, dog walking, outdoor photography, climbing, and swimming. He is an avid motorsport enthusiast, across both cars and bikes, and a devoted coffee lover.

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