Advanced Research Assistant

The is seeking an Advanced Research Assistant to contribute to multiple large-scale single cell and spatial transcriptomic projects. The focus of these projects is to explore the vast cellular diversity in the human brain and the brain tumour microenvironment (TME). You will work with members of the Cellular Genetics Wet Lab Support team, a core research group that works closely with the Bayraktar team. This is an excellent opportunity for an adaptable and highly motivated individual to support cutting edge science.

About the team:

The Bayraktar group studies the cellular wiring of human tissues using single-cell and spatial genomics, focusing on brain development and disease. Our highly collaborative and international team has expertise in single cell/spatial genomics, microscopy and multi-modal data analysis. We lead an international project on resolving the TME-tumour cell interactions in glioblastoma using single cell and spatial transcriptomics. 

About the role/you:

You will participate in exciting projects to map the cellular environments of the human brain and human glioblastoma tumours. Your primary role would be to support bespoke sequencing library preparation for; gene expression, immune cell profiling and chromatin accessibility analysis of single cells or nuclei.

You will use multiple sample and data trackers to carefully keep track of important experimental metadata. You will be involved in supporting the day-to-day management of the lab, including monitoring lab resources, reporting equipment/experiment faults, and assist in trouble-shooting.

The role will require you to be adaptable and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to closely coordinate with Staff Scientists and Postdoctoral Fellows leading these projects.

Job Logo Technicians Commitment Logo Link Grade 3 Salary per annum £28,-£33, Full Time, Part Time, Flexible Working Full Time Contract Type Fixed Term Contract Length 24 months Closing Date 12 September Job Reference

Essential Skills

  • Degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent qualification 
  • Relevant, post-graduate laboratory experience 
  • Significant experience of core molecular biology techniques, including sample handling, PCR, RNA/DNA purification, library prep and similar
  • Ability to learn new protocols and then run them independently 
  • Ability to test and implement new approaches and techniques 
  • Proven process improvement/troubleshooting ability 
  • Computer literate 
  • Excellent laboratory practice 

    • Competencies and Behaviours:

  • Good written and oral communication skills 
  • Excellent organisational skills 
  • Ability to keep good up-to-date records with attention to detail 
  • Ability to work to a schedule and successfully manage and prioritise multiple competing projects
  • Proven experience of working within a team
  • Experience of working on collaborative projects

    • Ideal Skills

    Technical Skills:

  • Writing and reviewing SOPs
  • Writing and reviewing risk assessments
  • Experience working with human tissue samples / Human Tissue Act
  • Experience of working with spatially resolved transcriptome analysis methods
  • Optimisation and execution of experiments using Next Generation Sequencing Technologies