Research Assistant - Biology

The Research Assistant will be critical in operating the NATA oligonucleotide in vitro and in vivo validation and pharmacology platforms. You will operate and maintain cell culture equipment and materials, undertake biological validation testing, lead compound screens and assess toxicology markers. Other general duties required are to ensure the smooth running of the NATA biology lab e.g. cell line database, materials traceability, consumables inventory, equipment maintenance.

You will assist colleagues in the validation of nucleic acid therapeutics for various translational and collaborative projects.

Key Responsibilities include

• Take a proactive approach to learning and implementing new techniques and approaches
• Culture and maintenance of cell lines
• Assist in vitro based studies including cell sorting and microscopy/image analysis
• Assist in the preparation of RNA libraries and in the running of the RNA sequencing facility
• Manage instruments, reagents and biological resources efficiently
• Troubleshoot and maintain procedures and instrumentation
• Carry out target validation and efficacy assessment (using both mRNA/protein quantification methods) and analyse/report data (verbal and written report)
• Keep excellent scientific records and implement databases
• Present work internally
• Contribute to lab meetings
• Maintain a good knowledge of the relevant literature and of the wider field and actively promote this to the group
• Effectively manage resources
• Support the Lab Manager undertaking lab management duties such as lab and equipment maintenance, H&S administration, inventory, databases

About you

• Hold a relevant degree in Biology or related filed
• Experience of working in a laboratory, preferably translational
• Expertise in tissue culture including culture of cells with different characteristics, primary cells, cell lines and genetically engineered cell lines
• Experience in primer design and RT-PCR/qPCR protocols
• Fundamental knowledge in gene transcription, protein translation, RNA splicing and the regulation of gene expression
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Computer literacy is essential for the analysis, recording and communication of results
• Ability to manage resources
• Ability to analyse data
• Demonstrate ability to write scientifically
• Capable of critical thinking
• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement
• Organised, hard-working with a strong eye for detail and able to work as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage changing priorities
• Good communication skills and effective engagement with colleagues, collaborators or general public

Employee Benefits:

We are offering a whole host of family friendly benefits including; 30 days holiday (plus bank-holidays), an excellent pension scheme, shopping/travel discounts, and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work/life balance!

How to apply:

For full details and to complete an application: https://mrc.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/appcentre-1/candidate/postings/1920   

The NATA is a research institute within MRC part of UK Research and Innovation. UKRI is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, for more information: www.ukri.org  

The closing date for applications is 11th May 2022.