Advanced Research Assistant

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Cambridge, ENGLAND
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

We have an excellent opportunity for an Advanced Research Assistant to join our growing Tree of Life team.

About the Research:
The Darwin Tree of Life Project is a major national initiative, led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute , to provide high-quality ‘reference’ genome sequences for all eukaryotic species in the Atlantic archipelago (Britain and Ireland). The project includes a wide range of partners across the UK such as the National History Museum (NHM), Kew Gardens, The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, The Earlham Institute, Wytham Woods and the Marine Biological Association (MBA).

About the Role:
You will be responsible for assisting with the day to day running and organisation of a shared laboratory, working collaboratively with others in the team as well as across the institute. The role will include supporting 2 critical tasks:

1. Routine throughput of samples through wet-lab processes, providing oversight of sample preparation carried out by all team members. The sample preparation process involves dissection, weighing, cryoprepping or power mashing of samples. Samples are then submitted to either the ToL Core laboratory or a second internal extraction lab.

2. R&D on sample prepping methods, protocols and equipment and the impact of these on lab metrics and sequencing success. The post holder will design and execute experiments to validate new preparation methods and protocols, and their positive impact on the challenging ToL pipeline.

About You:
You will be an excellent communicator and have experience of working collaboratively with others in a professional, scientific environment. You will be organised with the ability to work flexibly to support a number of projects and changing priorities.


Essential Skills

Technical Skills:

• A biological sciences degree (BSc or equivalent)
• Significant experience in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction and RNA extraction
• Highly skilled in experimental design and execution
• Excellent organisation and record keeping skills
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and management
• Scientific understanding of troubleshooting and process improvement 

Competencies and Behaviours:

• A positive “can-do” attitude, adaptable as work priorities shift
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience demonstrating excellent communication and collaboration skills 


Ideal Skills

• Experience of molecular biological components of genomics work
• Experience working with advanced instrumentation
• Demonstrable success in working to deadlines and with numerous priorities 


Other information

This role will require working on site in the lab predominately. Full details of working on site can be discussed during the interview stage.

Flexible Work Options

We appreciate the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance and support this with a number of benefits, including a flexible working policy for those who may wish to apply to amend their working pattern or arrangement. We welcome applications for this position that are looking for flexible working, such as part time hours or flexible start and finish times, and equal consideration will be given to individuals regardless of their working preferences.

Application Process:

Please apply with completed online application and your CV only.  

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis, the role may close before the closing date if a successful appointment is made.

N/B: If you have been unsuccessful previously, please feel free to reapply if you feel that you are suitable and meet the required skills and experience.



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