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The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a great place to work and progress your career. The MRC encourages the integration of clinical and discovery research to elucidate both disease processes and potential new therapies. The MLC provides vital scientific support for the UK biomedical community and focuses on preclinical research using mouse models, which supports clinical research and therapy discovery.

The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a Senior Molecular Biologist for the management of a mouse genome-editing pipeline and collaborative development of a technology development programme in Genome Engineering. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group and in close collaboration with the Genotyping core facility. Their activity will span genome editing of the mouse genome at scale and functional validation of engineered alleles.

The available post is based within established laboratories that have significant existing expertise in genome engineering and in the generation and quality control of engineered mouse alleles. The successful candidate will work as part of a team and will be responsible for the design and validation of genome-edited mouse models. They will advise genome-editing service users on the design of genetically altered alleles, editing reagents and genotyping assays. They will coordinate work across the MCB team and with the MLC groups responsible for mouse production, breeding and cryopreservation, and embryo manipulation. They will review the data for validation of new alleles. The candidate will also analyse production data to improve laboratory processes and will present findings in publications. They will work as part of a team and manage several graduate-level research assistants.

An understanding of gene structure and expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing, or in-vitro transcription) is required. Previous experience in the analysis of Sanger sequencing data is desirable. Specialist training in genome engineering can be provided.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

• Design and validation of genome-edited mouse models
• Liaise with genome editing/engineering service users
• Coordinate molecular biology tasks in the MCB team and collaborate with other teams in the MLC
• Review of data and production processes
• Develop new genome engineering processes and alleles
• Disseminate knowledge in genome engineering, taking part in writing publications and teaching specialist workshops

Working Relationships:

• Design and validate genome-engineered alleles for the generation of models, working with the other MCB team members including direct reports, and reporting to the Head of MCB

• Work with scientists in the various research groups, to help design alleles for new mouse models

• Interface with senior team members of the MLC, including the Director and Heads of Departments to deliver key programmes and services

Additional Information:

Some flexible working patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equality & Diversity:

The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management.

Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post-holder and their manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.

Education/Qualifications/Training Required:

Essential:

• PhD, or equivalent, in Biological Sciences or a related subject, involving the use of molecular biology
• Understanding of gene structure/function

Desirable:

• An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• Use or generation of genetically altered animals
• Extensive use of PCR-based techniques
• Previous experience in genotyping

Desirable:

• Work with Sanger sequencing or digital PCR
• Evidence of quality and customer-focused work

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• Experience of several of the following Molecular and Cellular Biology techniques: gene targeting, genome editing, PCR, Sanger sequencing analysis, ddPCR, in vitro transcription
• Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results

Desirable:

• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement
• Experience in service provision

Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:

Essential:

• Organised and hard-working, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to provide leadership and work well as part of a team

Desirable:

• Able to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from principal investigators to research assistants and animal technicians)

The post-holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

For informal enquiries, please contact us at [email protected], marking your enquiry for the attention of Dr Lydia Teboul.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as this role may close earlier than the indicated deadline.