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DNA Sequencing Genetech is an authorised agent for a world-leading company of genomic analysis which provides a wide variety of services including DNA sequencing and oligo nucleotide synthesis. This has enabled Genetech to provide the following services to Sri Lanka at an affordable price range. DNA Sequencing services Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing CES analyses DNA sequences using Big Dye chemistry (Sanger Sequencing) and the ABI 3730xl analyser. CES can be performed either in individual PCR tubes or in 96 well plates for high throughput sequencing. The reaction can be conducted using both universal as well as custom made primers. The method is commonly used to sequence relatively shorter fragments of DNA for a variety of purposes. Sequencing of PCR products and plasmid CES is generally used for sequencing of PCR products and plasmid DNA up to 1,000 bp in length. A special CES service is also available for the ‘difficult sequencing’ such as high GC rich DNA, homopolymers, repetitive sequences and those with strong secondary structures. ​ In addition, we accept the unamplified DNA and unprocessed biological samples for sequencing services. We also undertake to sequence PCR products containing nonspecific bands. Upon request, post sequence analysis (sequence alignments, phylogenetic tree construction, genome annotation etc.) services are also available to help the researchers interpret the results. Sequencing bacterial and fungal colonies 16S r-RNA gene sequencing is a common method used to identify bacterial species. As per the customer requirement, we undertake to sequence different length options up to 1400 bp. For the sequencing of fungal colonies, we provide three options: 18S rRNA gene (> 1,600 bp guaranteed), 26S rRNA gene (> 1,300 bp guaranteed) and ITS region (> 500 bp guaranteed). We also offer post-sequencing analysis services to assist species identification. Next-Generation Sequencing NGS, massively parallel or deep sequencing are related terms that describe a DNA sequencing technology which has been developed for genomic research during recent years. The technology performs parallel sequencing of millions of DNA fragments which are assembled into single genome using bioinformatics analysis. In contrast to the first-generation Sanger sequencing technology, NGS provides a much more efficient tool enabling the sequencing of the entire human genome within a single day. ​ We offer numerous NGS sequencing techniques such as Whole Genome Sequencing, Metagenome Sequencing, Exome Sequencing, Transcriptome Sequencing and Epigenome Sequencing. Different NGS platforms are available to meet the varying requirement of these techniques. Our scientists will help you choose the best NGS option and platforms depending on your requirement. We also offer to assist in the bioinformatics analysis of NGS data. Contact us

Technical Services Genetech Research Institute offers technical services in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry-related ventures. We will provide analytical services as required by an external researcher: GRI will analyse samples provided by the external researcher using established protocols at GRI or detailed protocols provided by the external investigator. Samples will be analysed by the technical staff of Genetech and results will be reported to the external researcher. The external researcher will be charged a fee based on the number of samples and type of analysis. GRI will not be held responsible for any observations and conclusions made from this research.

Interview Tips The key to a successful job interview is in the preparation. Review The first thing you must do is look over your CV. If you have been invited to an interview, it is because we found your CV impressive. Qualifications It may sound simple, but know your qualifications. Interviewers will have an interest in modules you’ve covered and projects you have worked on. Think about how you can use your qualifications, skills and experience to prove that they align with our job description. Research Conduct some research about Genetech and specifically the role you are interviewing for, the interviewers will expect you to know a bit about the firm, and why you are interested in working for us. Future If you are aiming to pursue a career with Genetech, then you must have a good understanding of what is happening in the industry and how this may influence your future. Notes If it helps, you can take notes to your interview. There is nothing wrong with referring to notes but ensure you do not to read directly from them throughout the interview. Strengths We will be assessing your strengths throughout the interview. This will allow us to identify how you may perform in the role, and it makes it a much more enjoyable experience. This also provides you a great opportunity to reflect on what you are good at. At the interview, we want to get to know the real, authentic you. Thus, whilst you may want to learn about Genetech and go through your previous experiences ahead of your interview, there is no need to come with prepared responses. Furthermore, the examples you use when answering questions do not always have to be work based. Feel free to talk about relevant personal experiences where appropriate. The questions may be tapping into your strengths and there is no ‘correct’ thing to say. Thus, answer honestly based on what feels most natural to you. Impression You can create a good impression by knowing who you are going to meet and arriving on time. The interviewers will also be expecting you to wear suitable business wear. Use I Use ‘I’ instead of ‘We’ even if you talk about something you have done as a team. Keep in mind that we are interested in hearing about your achievements and what your contributions were. Body Language Maintain eye contact but you do not need to stare, and smile and enjoy your interview with a positive attitude. Moreover, relax and do not rush your answers. It is fine if you need a moment before answering a question. Be conscious of your hand use and avoid fidgeting with props, such as a notebook or pen, because it can make you lose concentration. If you make a mistake at the interview, do not worry because nobody is perfect. Worrying about your mistakes will have a negative impact on your performance. Question Do not be afraid to ask questions especially if you are not sure about something. It may demonstrate you have done your research and are genuinely interested. Be Positive Let go of the negative things in the past, aim positively but expect nothing in the future, and enjoy every moment without any attachment.

Legal & Ethical Guidelines GRI will conform with all existing Laws of Sri Lanka regarding the performance of scientific research. Where such Laws do not exist, we will seek guidance from regional and international Laws. GRI will act as a responsible scientific entity, and will maintain high ethical and legal standards at every stage of the research project. We will require the following from all external researchers: All projects involving human subjects or human specimens will be evaluated by a GRI institutional review board (IRB). Human subject research requires the approval of the GRI IRB as well as the IRB of the investigators' home institution. A written guarantee of the source, the collection methodology of the tested material and the end use of the data is required. For samples with restricted access such as protected or endangered species, the external researcher has to provide copies of permits or permission from relevant authorities. GRI retains the right to verify the legal and ethical status of any tested material, in consultation with relevant authorities or experts. GRI retains the right to terminate the research project at any time if it is discovered that that the tested material was obtained illegally or unethically. GRI will not be held responsible for any observations and conclusions made from such research, or for any subsequent action taken by any person in response to such observations and conclusions (except when the research is performed in collaboration with a senior scientist at GRI). Projects involving work with bio-hazardous agents will be reviewed and only undertaken if the specimens do not pose a significant risk to people working on the project or others. Only international shipments that are compliant with local and foreign import/export regulations will be allowed.

Dr. Nandika Perera Head of Forensic DNA Typing and Parentage Testing Dr. Nandika Perera joined Genetech in early 2004 soon after its inception and was part of the pioneering team led by late Dr. Maya Gunasekera, who introduced molecular diagnostics and DNA typing services to Sri Lanka. In subsequent years, he was promoted to the post of Senior Scientist and in 2010, he became the Head of the Parentage Testing Section. Currently, he is also the Head of Forensic DNA typing and has provided more than 2500 DNA typing reports to the Sri Lankan Judiciary. ​ He together with his team has established several in-house molecular diagnostic tests including a test for prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia disease. More recently, he introduced X chromosome STR typing to Sri Lanka to be used in forensic and kinship analysis. The technique offers a significant advantage over the other commonly used DNA typing methods in resolving some specific cases of kinship which cannot be conclusively resolved otherwise. He is also involved in various other molecular biology related research in collaboration with many state and private universities and research institutes in Sri Lanka. His portfolio of works includes many research publications, some in the world’s leading high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports of Nature publishing group and International Journal of Legal Medicine which is testimonial of his illustrative career in the field of molecular genetics. ​ Nandika is an alumnus of both the University of Colombo and Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka. He holds two Honours degrees, one in the field of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (from University of Colombo) and the other in Chemistry (from Institute of Chemistry, Sri Lanka). He obtained his master’s degree in Molecular Life Sciences at the Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo and has completed his Ph.D. in the field of Molecular Forensics at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka. He is the recipient of many academic awards including the Gold Medal for the best academic performance in his Master’s Degree, the award for the best performance in part 1 examination in Graduateship in Chemistry and the W. F. Peiris Memorial Scholarship in Graduateship in Chemistry.

Genetically Modified and Other Food Testing Definition Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants. What we do We use a PCR method to identify the most common genetic elements that are generally found in GM crops. The test is very sensitive and able to detect 0.1% GM content. In addition to the common genetic elements, on request, we also offer to detect other genetic elements that are assumed to have been integrated into the plants during the GM procedure. Our test can be applied to crops such as corn, soy, canola, and potato as well as processed food items such as tea, desiccated coconut, bakery & confectionery items, breakfast cereals & snacks, food additives, and others. Validation of method The test method has been validated according to the guidelines given by the European Commission Joint Research Centre for food samples and uses positive (European Certified reference materials) and negative control samples in order to assure the best qualitative results. Who we help Our testing facility has been utilised by the Food Control Administration Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka for the screening of imported seeds and food products as well as local farmers, manufactures and exporters to certify their products are free from GM food materials. Contact us View price list