Next Generation Sequencing
Our genomics platform supports a wide range of biological research projects by providing researchers with a comprehensive service.
Our support ranges from experimental design, access to next-generation and single cell sequencing capabilities, to expertise in bioinformatic analysis, machine learning analysis and associated computing infrastructure.
Equipped with experienced staff and state-of-the-art instruments for both short and long read sequencing, we work with a diverse range of samples and can provide dedicated support to suit your needs.
We are flexible and can work with both small and large numbers of samples. We can also develop research approaches and methodologies tailored towards research projects and outcomes, spanning academic, industry, and commercial partners.
Range of services:
- library preparation for DNA, mRNA and long read sequencing
- sample/Library quality control for quantification and evaluation purposes
- library sequencing using both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies
- plasmid sequencing using Oxford Nanopore
- single cell sequencing using 10X Genomics
- bioinformatic analysis
- machine leaning and pattern discovery analysis
- multi-omics data analysis
- consultation on the design of next generation sequencing experiment and understanding of the outcomes
- grant support: work quoting / estimates for grant applications.
- mRNA-seq
A comprehensive look at the transcriptome and what can be used for gene expression, alternative splicing and novel transcripts
- Whole Genome Sequencing
For investigating genome variants and structure.
- Plasmid Sequencing
Whole plasmid sequencing delivered through Oxford Nanopore Technology
- Single Cell Sequencing
State-of-the-art 10X Genomics Chromium single cell sequencing technology that will enable the genetic profiling of individual cells in heterogeneous populations or tissues
Quality is an integral part of our research platform's purpose and value. We are committed to providing our customers, industry partners and academic collaborators with services and products that are of high quality, consistent and compliant.
Our platforms strive to be recognised and trusted by researchers as an excellent research service provider that constantly meet or exceed customer expectations. To achieve this, we have implemented a Quality Management System (QMS) across Research Platforms that operates on all our campuses.
Our QMS is aligned to the AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016 standard and the University’s Research 2030: Research and Engagement Plan 2020-2024. In alignment with the ISO standard, efforts are focused on understanding customer needs and ensuring their satisfaction, as well as continuously improving service provision in the pursuit of research excellence. The services provided by Research Platforms are also underpinned by our cultural qualities: to be connected, innovative, accountable and caring.
The Research Platforms quality policy embraces the following key principles:
- Building a mutually beneficial relationship with customers, ensuring their long-term success through the understanding of, and meeting, their needs.
- Nurturing a quality mindset with the objective of providing services that are trusted and preferred by internal and external researchers and deliver on our Research Plan Objective 1: Research Excellence.
- Complying with all relevant laws and regulations as well as internal policies and requirements.
- Continuously challenging all Research Platforms to improve the QMS to prevent quality incidents, eliminate errors, accelerate research, and ensure high quality data through efficient business processes, best-practice and well-defined goals.
- Encouraging involvement in quality responsibilities amongst all Research Platform personnel, researchers and relevant third parties through quality standards, education, training and mentoring, supervision and effective internal and external communication.
Our platforms are currently seeking to achieve ISO9001 accreditation as part of their commitment to their customers. Work to obtain verification by independent third-party certification bodies is ongoing.
The platform’s contributions to research outputs (e.g., publications, presentations, posters) should be acknowledged where possible. These contributions could include:
- paid technical help and services
- accessing research equipment
- scientific advice
- writing assistance.
Proper acknowledgement enables us to demonstrate our value to the research community and highlight our impact on research excellence, which is critical to securing continued funding for our services. Our staff are also researchers with extensive experience and citing them helps to advance their careers.
In cases where substantial intellectual and experimental contributions were made by platform staff, co-authorship must also be offered in accordance with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, regardless of whether payment was made for the services. Researchers should also notify the platform of any publications arising from the support provided by our staff, regardless of whether a co-authorship is offered.
Learn more about how to acknowledge us:
All publications resulting from the use of our services and facilities should include this acknowledgement:
‘The authors acknowledge the La Trobe University [Platform Name] for [support received].’
e.g., The authors acknowledge the La Trobe University Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform for the provision of instrumentation, training and technical support.
OR
e.g., The authors acknowledge the La Trobe University Statistics Consultancy Platform for providing advice on statistical analysis.
If you received significant assistance, guidance or help from our platform staff, or where staff have personally generated research data, they should be acknowledged by name:
‘The authors thank [Staff Name] from the La Trobe University [Platform Name] for [his/her/their] support and guidance in this work.’
e.g., The authors thank [Staff Name] from the La Trobe University Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform for collecting and analysing data for proteomics studies, shown in Figure X.
If a platform staff contribute more than just routine techniques or advice, they should be invited to be a co-author on the publications that describe the data. This applies to the development or adaptation of protocols to suit specific experiments, samples or materials, (re)design of experiments, and extensive data analysis and interpretation.
Co-authorship is independent of whether payment was made for the work/ service.
Access and contact us
We work with both academic researchers and industry partners, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
We have different access models to suit your needs:
- Submit samples for fee-for-service sequencing work
Have some samples ready for sequencing? Contact us to obtain a quote and discuss your needs. - Access our instruments
Users can choose to self-operate some of our instruments, please contact us to discuss your needs.
For more information or to request a quote, please email our genomics platform team.