Senior Research Assistant, Discovery Screening

Location: Babraham Research Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent 

Start: Immediate

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Lab based position (Cambridge)

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for UK skilled worker sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or must not require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

Your role in our team:

Reporting to the Director of Discovery Screening, the Senior Research Assistant will execute, document and evaluate genetic screens aimed at identifying reprogramming factors in human iPSCs and mammalian cell lines to achieve team goals and broader project objectives. 

This role focuses on supporting the technological development of novel and existing screening platforms, alongside coordinating the implementation of new technologies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in alignment with company-wide goals. With growing experience, the successful candidate will become a key point of contact for stakeholders, supporting the smooth operation of the wider Functional Genomics (FG) department and R&D.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Execute genetic screens aimed at identifying programming factors in human iPSCs and mammalian cell lines, taking responsibility for sample tracking and quality control (QC).
• Perform experimental work aimed to develop and expand the team's capabilities.
• Perform molecular biology techniques and molecular/cell phenotyping assays, including PCR, ddPCR, and flow cytometry.
• Coordinate work tasks and manage team resources. Monitor day-to-day lab activities, maintain tissue culture reagent stock levels, ensure equipment is properly maintained, and adhere strictly to good lab practice standards.
• Increasingly with experience, train other staff members as required.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies, workflows, and operational infrastructure.
• Document and report activities in a precise, timely, and exhaustive fashion. Communicate outcomes of experimental work to team and department both in oral and written form.
• Draft key technical documentation, including Tech Transfers, SOPs, and Data Packages.
• Stay up to date with key aspects of genetic engineering, vector assembly, cell line engineering processes, and next-generation sequencing.

You…

• Will have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of Biological Science (or equivalent experience) and proven experience in a skilled research assistant role within a Discovery Screening function.
• Have the ability to operate autonomously with minimal, high-level direction.
• A meticulous approach and attention to detail are required.
• Proven ability to communicate research and project outputs effectively (written and verbally).

With essential experience in...

• Strong practical and theoretical background in mammalian cell culture and engineering/gene editing.
• Practical and theoretical background in human iPSC culture and engineering/gene editing.
• Well-rounded and practical experience of molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR) and molecular/cell phenotyping assays (e.g. ddPCR).
• Experience in executing and optimising large scale screening protocols.
• Good knowledge and experience of high-throughput genomic screening technologies and automated tissue culture workflows (e.g. 96/384 well plates).

and possibly...

• Experience executing flow cytometry experiments (e.g., choosing fluorophores, compensation controls) and analysing/interpreting FACS data.
• Knowledge and experience with reporting via electronic lab notebooks (e.g. Benchling) and sample tracking.