Research Assistant Cellular Generation and Phenotyping

Job Description

An opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join us and support the Cellular Generation and Phenotyping team (CGaP) at the Sanger Institute. You will be working as part of an international collaboration, striving to develop and utilise one of the largest cancer organoid biobanks in the world.

Would you love to work in a high throughput or process driven setting

Are you organised, meticulous and love process improvement

Do you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team, working together to tackle complex issues

If you said yes to the above questions, then this could be the role for you.About the team:You will join a multi-disciplinary team who are working as part of the Human Cancer Model Initiative to generate a large cancer organoid biobank. Approximately 1,000 human cancer cell lines are available worldwide as a useful resource for cancer research. However, poor disease representation, insufficient numbers to capture the genetic diversity of cancer and lack of comparison to normal reference samples limit their use. Novel cell culturing methods such as organoid derivation will revolutionise our ability to derive new models and have the potential to overcome these limitations.CGaP is a core facility, responsible for providing cell biology resource and expertise to the wider institute. We do this by running multiple, high throughput projects in partnership with faculty teams across the Institute. Our current portfolio of projects includes genome wide CRISPR screens, iPSC derivation and differentiation, The Human Cell Atlas and Organoid Derivation. Our role is to support the institute in its aims and for that we continually strive to remain at the forefront of cutting edge research. Namely translating academic research into large-scale projects, which push the boundaries of our understanding, allowing the Sanger to remain a world leader in genome research.About the role:Your role as a Research Assistant in CGaP will include processing of human tumour samples to derive organoid models, expansion and banking of organoids and ensuring Quality Controls are met. You will be expected to co-ordinate the transfer of samples to and from the faculty team, troubleshoot issues and identify areas for process improvement. In addition to the lab work you will possess strong time management and organisational skills and be excellent communicators.We will provide you with all the appropriate training for you to fulfil your role and offer you a career pathway so you can continue to progress and learn new skills. We also support all staff to take part in department and institute wide initiatives.This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and adaptable individual to join the team in delivering high quality science. Essential Skills

Degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience

Experience in a life science laboratory

Good knowledge of cell culture techniques

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent organisational skills, able to plan and prioritise effectively

Proven experience of working within a team

Ability to keep good up-to-date records with attention to detail

Ideal Skills

Experience of cell culture

Experience of running cell based assays

Other information Whilst the developments around COVID-19 continue to evolve, the Wellcome Genome Campus closed for all but essential functions and facilities.As we begin restarting our science, we have implemented measures to support our staff on site including one way systems, enhanced cleaning and increased facilities for handwashing.. In the first instance this role will require some working on site and some remote working. Full details to be discussed at interview.This approach may vary for individuals located overseas and/or where a visa is required and starting will be based on a number of factors, we will be able to provide specialist advice to those affected candidates.Interviews will be taking place virtually.Application process:Please include a covering letter with your application describing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.Closing date: 1st February 202Our benefits:There’s an attractive benefits package on offer at the Wellcome Genome Campus. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.As well as the usual benefits you would expect, we go much further:

25 days annual leave (extra 1 day to a maximum of 30 days for every year you work)

Auto-enrolment into a generous Group Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with enhanced company contribution

Up to 2 days annual paid volunteering leave

Up to 10 days paid Emergency Carers Leave per year

Family friendly environment including options for flexible and part-time working, an on-site Workplace Nursery salary Sacrifice Schemes for pre-school children and Summer holiday club

Life Assurance is accessible on day 1 for all

Group Income Protection Scheme (if on a contract exceeding 12 months)

Enhanced maternity leave and parental leave

Access to substantial number of courses and training events onsite

Private Healthcare Scheme

Eyecare and Dental payment plans

Concessions and discounts from our corporate perks site