Job description 2021-02-23
The Opportunity:
Our Human Genetics programme has an excellent opportunity for an Advanced Research Assistant to join our interdisciplinary highly collaborative team of academics, clinicians and drug discovery researchers.
About the Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to apply single cell genomics to cells isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or healthy control patients. The goal of the project is to identify genetic variants that are associated with gene expression in intestinal cells, and then combine these with data from genetic studies of IBD patients to identify potential novel drug targets for IBD. One of the projects is overseen by Open Targets, a public-private initiative between the Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI), EMBL-EBI, and pharmaceutical companies, to combine large-scale genomic experiments with statistical and computational methods to identify and validate the causal links between targets, pathways and diseases.
About You:
You will be based at the WSI, within the laboratory of Dr. Carl Anderson (www.andersonlab.info) and will work closely on the project with Dr. Rebecca McIntyre (Principal Staff Scientist), with scientific input from collaborators. You will liaise with clinical teams around the UK on the acquisition of fresh samples, dissociate tissues to single cells, prepare cells for single cell genomics (e.g. Chromium Controller, 10X Genomics) and generate Illumina libraries. Training will be provided but experience in dissociating tissues to single cells and handling liquid robotics would be advantageous, as would a flexible attitude to working hours during the week. Once settled in the role, you may have the opportunity to perform pilot feasibility studies or learn new techniques from other team members to help achieve other goals.
We welcome candidates with a background in cellular and/or molecular biology. You will have the opportunity to interact with other researchers at the WSI and the industrial partners.
Essential Skills
Technical Skills:
Masters or equivalent qualification in Biological Sciences.
Good experience in handling mammalian cells (tissue dissociation and/or culture)
Experience of core molecular biology techniques e.g. PCR, RT-PCR.
Strict adherence to SOPs and attention to detail when performing routine tasks
Competencies and Behaviours:
Thorough record keeping, with strong organisational and communication skills, and good work ethic.
A team player who enjoys working with others in a friendly and collegiate manner.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Other information
Due to Covid 19, 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. You can learn more about our campus and our return to research here. This role will require working on site in the lab predominately. Full details of working on site can be discussed during the interview stage.
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role addressing the criteria outlined above and in the job description.
Closing Date: 9th March 2021
About Us
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth.
Our 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 (for more information, see our Pensions page) 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, parental and adoption 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 Being part of the Wellcome Genome Campus you will be part of the beautiful working environment with an impressive range of benefits, services and facilities also including: Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages A car-share initiative Free parking A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events In 2020 we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.
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 (for more information, see our Pensions page) 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, parental and adoption 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 Being part of the Wellcome Genome Campus you will be part of the beautiful working environment with an impressive range of benefits, services and facilities also including: Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages A car-share initiative Free parking A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events In 2020 we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.