Laboratory Research Scientist - Genomics STP

LRS -Genomics STP

Reports to: Head of Genomics STP

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick Terms and Conditions.

OVERVIEW

The Genomics Science Technology Platform (Genomics STP) is a core-funded laboratory comprised of a team of 21 scientists who provide Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) support to over one hundred research groups at the Crick. These labs work at the cutting edge of biomedical science in disciplines such as cancer, infectious disease, immunology, neurology, and developmental biology. Next generation sequencing has revolutionised approaches to biology, making this a key technology for a large proportion of the pioneering research groups based at the Crick. Located in the heart of London - and hosting the latest sequencing platforms - our team carries out all aspects of NGS from project design and execution, through to delivery of the sequence data for analysis. We have expertise in a wide range of applications including RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, single cell, spatial transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing and capture methods. We run the latest Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencers (NovaSeq X Plus and PromethION P24, respectively), as well as single cell instruments (Chromium X, CellenONE), and spatial omics platforms (GeoMx, CoxMx, Xenium). We use our state-of-the-art liquid handling platforms (Hamilton STAR, Biomek i7, Automata LINQ) to increase throughput and reproducibility of our routine procedures. Our facility processes up to 400 projects a year and we also continually evaluate and implement new technologies and applications to ensure scientists at the Crick have access to the latest advances in the field.

The Genomics STP is now looking to recruit an enthusiastic molecular biologist to join its team of genomics experts. The successful applicant will help the team in its mission to deliver high quality data with rapid turnaround time. The post holder will assist with sample submission, quality control, library preparation and sequencing following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and automation when appropriate. Our facility has recently expanded its capacities in spatial analysis, presenting exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to engage with cutting-edge projects in this domain, depending on their expertise and interests. The applicant will also have the opportunity to develop and implement new genomics applications to keep the Genomics STP at the cutting edge of the field.

To apply for this role, you should be a highly motivated and competent laboratory scientist with a background in biology and preferably previous experience working in a busy core genomics facility or similar. You should be capable of effortlessly switching between high throughput working methods, and creative and critical thinking to solve problems as they arise and be confident and calm under pressure. A can-do attitude is a must, and you will be happy, if needed, to step outside your role profile to help support the whole functioning of the laboratory to help maintain the high level of service the Crick expects from us. We expect the successful applicant to carry out their role with exquisite care and attention to detail, and have demonstrable experience in effectively managing dynamic, diverse, and heavy workloads.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These include but are not limited to;

• Support diverse research projects across the Institute using genomics technologies
• Prepare Next Generation Sequencing libraries following standard operating procedures
• Operate Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platforms
• Operate robotic sample preparation instruments
• Perform single cells and spatial omics experiments using established protocols
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Assess results of individual projects and suggest improvements based on performance
• Liaise with equipment providers for standard problems and issues
• Keep up-to-date with the rapid evolution of the field through literature, training and attendance to conferences and workshops
• Participate in developing methods and techniques in collaboration with team members and Crick researchers
• Be responsible with team members for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory area including general maintenance of equipment, stock control of laboratory consumables, collecting goods from stores and unpacking shipments of reagents.
• Be open to training in additional sample processing methods, such as DNA/RNA extraction techniques, as required

In addition, the post holder will be expected to carry out any other duties and responsibilities within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post and its grading as requested by the line manager.

KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Imaginative, Open, Dynamic and Collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential:

• Degree in biological sciences or equivalent.
• Strong background in cell biology and molecular biology
• In depth understanding of library preparation for Next Generation Sequencing, including quality control and troubleshooting / optimisation.
• A good understanding of the latest applications and technologies pertaining to human genomic research including NGS and emerging molecular biology techniques, e.g. single cell and spatial profiling
• A high degree of self-motivation to maintain workload with minimal supervision
• Excellent work ethic, including attention to detail and care for high standards
• Flexible and cooperative approach to work well in a team
• Proactive, showing initiative and independent thought
• Proven ability to keep good and accurate records
• Good time management and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment and occasionally outside regular hours

Desirable:

• Hands-on knowledge of library preparation using DNA and RNA from various sources.
• Experience working in a genomics/sequencing core facility in an academic or industrial setting, or similar
• Familiar with the daily use of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Experience with single cell applications
• Demonstrated experience with Spatial Technologies platforms such as CosMx, GeoMx or Xenium
• Experience with high throughput methods, ideally including laboratory automation
• Use of liquid handling platforms. Experience in programming and maintenance of robotics would be highly regarded

ABOUT US

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a brand new state-of-the-art building in central London, which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute will be world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; to developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; to public engagement; and to helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy.

Please note: all offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website:https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion