Research Associate in Functional Genomics Automation

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We are seeking highly motivated and skilled Research Associate to join our dynamic team working on a cross-disciplinary functional genomics project in collaboration with Imperial College, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). Our collaborative human functional genomics cluster aims to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of rare diseases and end the diagnostic odyssey for individuals suffering from these diseases.

Project Overview:

Rare diseases affect approximately 6-8% of the population in Western societies, and advances in genomics have revealed the complex relationship between genetic variation and disease susceptibility. The project focuses on missense variants, particularly those impacting post-translational modification (PTM) sites on proteins, to bridge the knowledge gap between genomic associations and disease mechanisms. Our vision is to mechanistically define the functional impact of PTM variants within the rare disease cohort of Genomics England's genome resource, leading to personalized interventions and optimized clinical outcomes.

This exciting research project will integrate cutting-edge experimental capabilities across DNA synthesis, DNA assembly, automated molecular biology workflows and cell culture, next generation sequencing, state-of-the-art imaging and mass spectrometry platforms at London Biofoundry and Agilent Measurement Suite , and in close collaboration with the Child lab .

This position will be funded as part of an MRC Human Functional Genomics cluster led by Dr Matthew Child. You will be part of a talented multidisciplinary team of researchers based at Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), fostering an environment of collaboration and scientific excellence. This will also provide extensive opportunities for collaboration and networking with the other three MRC-funded Human Functional Genomics clusters, and individual leadership development.

Based in the London Biofoundry within Imperial’s White City Campus, you will work within Dr Marko Storch’s team and will:

• Contribute to the development and optimization of experimental technologies for targeted proteome engineering.
• Utilize existing bioinformatic tools (CRISPR-TAPE ) and cutting-edge instrumentation within the London Biofoundry to automate workflows.
• Leverage the integrated SynBio stack at the London Biofoundry for rapid engineering cycles integrating enzymatic DNA synthesis, acoustic liquid handler workflows, HT-HC microscopy platforms, and NGS platforms (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore)
• Lead the development of novel high-throughput automated molecular cloning, DNA assembly, genome engineering, cell culture, and NGS pipelines for human cells.

• Hold, or near completion of, a Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience


• Experience in experimental technology development for targeted proteome engineering.


• Proficiency in molecular cloning, DNA assembly, NGS technologies and automated workflows.


• Familiarity with CRISPR-based techniques and genome editing.


• Experience in Python programming.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.


• Track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.


• Proven ability to independently drive research projects.


• Retain strong focus on interoperability throughout to ensure data outputs readily translate between the learning, prediction and analysis platforms that contribute to the broader cluster.

This is a full time, fixed term position for two years with possibility of extension. You will be based at White City Campus, with travel to South Kensington Campus as required.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Marko Storch – [email protected] .

For general information regarding the cluster’s vison and team architecture, contact Dr Matthew Child - [email protected]  

The College is a proud signatory to the San-Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA),which means that in hiring and promotion decisions, we evaluate applicants on the quality of their work, not the journal impact factor where it is published. For more information, see https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/about-imperial-research/research-evaluation/  

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