Advanced Research Assistant - Tissue Culture and Sample Management

We seek to appoint an Advanced Research Assistant to work within The Parasites and Microbes Programme (PaM) laboratories across multiple Faculty groups and centralised teams at the Wellcome Sanger Institute . 

The Role:

This is a laboratory-based role, in which you will be responsible for performing both routine techniques and bespoke experimental processes, with particular focuses on mammalian tissue culture and sample management. We seek an individual experienced in tissue culture, with a keenness to contribute to developing cutting-edge infection models and culture systems.

The Opportunity: 

You will work as part of our team to maintain and support strategically important tissue culture cell lines and infection models. This includes recently-established culture models for Treponema species. You will also maintain and conduct experiments with organoids, including those derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). There will be exciting opportunities to contribute to the research relying on these tissue culture systems, you will conduct a wide range of technically challenging experimental procedures with these cells and organisms. You will also contribute to the sample management processes across the Programme. This will include the receipt, documentation, and management of considerable numbers (>1,000s) of biological specimens and DNA samples, as well as confirming that paperwork and approvals are in place prior to sample receipt. This will require that you are meticulously organised, and that you interact with a wide range of individuals within PaM and more widely.

Technical skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or relevant laboratory/research experience
• Experience with cell and mammalian tissue culture
• Experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as RNA/DNA extraction, protein expression and purification, RT-PCR, qPCR, library preparation reactions
• Experience in planning and running experiments over several days
• Ability to develop, optimise and deploy laboratory protocols

Competencies and behavioural skills:

• Ability to work effectively, both independently and within a team, contributing to discussions and disseminating knowledge and information
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• Good practical knowledge and experience with advanced light microscopy for cell biology
• Familiarity with culturing and differentiating iPSCs
• Ability to supervise and train colleagues
• Good problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of and interest in infectious disease biology
• Familiarity with the Nagoya Protocol, Human Tissue Act, and other legislation relevant to the use of biological samples, DNA, and tissue in research

You can also find out more about our inspiring campus here  and information on the Technician Commitment here .

Application process:

Please include a CV and cover letter with your application. Your cover letter should outline your suitability for the role, referring specifically to the essential and desirable skills listed in this advertisement and in the attached role profile.

Incomplete applications, or applications without this information in the cover letter, will not be considered.

Applications will be considered and reviewed on an ongoing basis and therefore the post may be filled before the closing date.

Please note: Maintaining cell lines may require occasional out-of-hours/weekend work; an element of flexibility will be required to accommodate this.