Laboratory Research Scientist - Human Biology Research Facility

Laboratory Research Scientist – Human Biology Research Facility

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Overview

In vitro human models are critical tools in biomedical research, serving as simplified systems that mimic complex human tissues and biological processes outside of the human body. These models provide numerous scientific benefits and are used across various fields to study basic biology, disease modelling, drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. They also provide ethical and effective alternatives to laboratory animal research.

The Human Biology Facility (HBF) supports and develops workflows with Crick scientists that involve the use of human primary and pluripotent stem cells. HBF has a multidisciplinary user base that is dynamic, evolving, and expanding, and with this comes the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research.

Project summary

HBF provides number of services for Crick Institute scientists which include but not limited to reprogramming somatic cells, including in-depth characterisation and banking, differentiation, generation of iPSCs and primary cells derived organoids.

HBF provides and maintains a well-equipped laboratory space and as a communal lab space, facilitates interaction between the groups working with human pluripotent cells fostering collaboration, exchange of ideas and the sharing of protocols between the scientific groups who use the facility. HBF staff work with users to provide support and promote best practice, in the areas of pluripotent stem cells, differentiation, characterisation, organoid derivation.

We are looking for a motivated, collaborative scientist to work with HBF on establishing new protocols and to help maintain and aid in the development of the portfolio of services offered by these core units.

Key responsibilities

Working with the team to aid in the day to day running of the facility and participating in essential out of hour work, ensuring effective service delivery. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Working with the team to aid in the setting up and validation of stem cell automation
• Pluripotent stem cell maintenance using manual and automation processes
• Day-to-day assessment of cells
• Preparing cells for downstream processes
• Quality Control, assisting with current and new methods
• Immunofluorescence
• RT-PCR
• Mycoplasma testing
• DNA and RNA extraction
• Flow cytometry
• Working with the team to aid in the establishment of organoid systems
• Producing organoids from human primary tissue and pluripotent stem cell lines
• Banking organoids
• stability testing and characterisation of organoids
• Supporting the Housekeeping activity of the facility
• Aiding in the day-to-day management of the facility
• Cleaning laboratory spaces and equipment
• Helping with operational activities and planned preventative maintenance

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open, and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Degree in a biological science
• Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture and organoid culture
• Experience in a range of molecular biology techniques including RT-PCR and Real Time qRT-PCR
• Flow Cytometry and Immunofluorescence
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Excellent organisational skills and accurate record keeping
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Excel and internet skills
• Ability to prioritise workflows and deliver to deadlines
• Highly self-motivated with a pro-active approach
• Proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently

Desirable

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• Experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture automation
• Experience in derivation and manipulation of primary cells
• Excellent inter-personal skills and a willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work with diverse databases

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