Research Assistant - MLC 2122
Job description
The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) requires two Research Assistants to provide technical support in a busy Genome Engineering service team. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group and in close collaboration with the Genotyping core facility. The successful candidate’s activity will span a broad range of molecular biology techniques.
The available post is based within established laboratories involved in the generation and quality control of mouse targeted alleles and genotyping. The laboratories use a range of molecular biology techniques including generation of CRISPR reagents, PCR, Sanger sequencing analysis, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), non-radioactive Southern blotting, qPCR-based genotyping and embryonic stem (ES) cell culture. Among this range of techniques, the post-holder will focus in particular on employing sequencing and ddPCR for validation of new alleles generated by the service. They also may be required to apply other molecular techniques in support of the genome engineering activity.
Previous experience of relevant techniques will be an advantage, but is not essential as training can be provided.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
- Characterisation and quality control of genetically modified materials, employing PCR-based techniques. Genotyping. Sample management and communication of results.
- Other general duties required are to ensure the smooth running of a Molecular Biology laboratory e.g. ordering reagents – tasks shared with the rest of the team.
Working relationships:
- Process samples/tasks by working as a team with the other Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) team members, as directed by the Deputy Head of MCB initially or by the Head of the Genotyping Team as per workload demands
- Work with scientists in the various research groups, to help process samples as efficiently as possible
Additional information:
- Some flexible work patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor
- Interviews are expected to be held on 27th April and the morning of 28th April.
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:
- BSc in Biological Sciences or related subject. Understanding of basic techniques (qPCR, ddPCR)
Desirable:
- MSc in Biological Sciences with several years’ laboratory-based molecular biology training. Understanding of genome engineering techniques (gene targeting, CRISPR-based tools)
Previous Work Experience Required:
Essential:
- Experience of working in a laboratory.
Desirable:
- Previous work with genetically modified materials.
- Previous experience in qPCR, ddPCR or Nanopore sequencing. Evidence of quality and customer-focused work.
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential:
- Experience in basic techniques of molecular biology; e.g., PCR, cloning, DNA sequence analysis, Southern blotting.
- Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results.
- An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals.
Desirable:
- Previous experience with RNA.
- Experience of working in sterile conditions.
- Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement.
Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:
Essential:
- Organised and hard-working with precision and a strong eye for detail, and able to work well as part of a team.
Desirable:
- Able to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from principal investigator to research assistants and animal technicians).
The advertisement may be closed prior to the original closing date in the event of a sufficient number of applications.
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.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role 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.
