Technical Specialist

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

About the Role:

The Bayraktar group is looking for an enthusiastic and talented Technical Specialist to work on an international and highly collaborative project resolving the TME-tumour cell interactions in glioblastoma using cutting edge single cell and spatial transcriptomics. This position is fixed until 30th September 2024.

You will be responsible for:

You will participate in exciting projects to spatially map the cellular environments of human glioblastoma tumours. Your primary role will be to perform daily laboratory work on 1) tissue sectioning, 2) Visium spatial transcriptomics and 3) high multiplexed in situ hybridisation (In Situ Sequencing). You will use multiple sample and data trackers to carefully keep track of important experimental metadata. You will be involved in supporting the day-to-day management of the lab, including monitoring lab resources, reporting equipment/experiment faults, and assist in trouble-shooting.

About You:

You will ideally have extensive experience with histology/tissue processing, cryo-sectioning and standard molecular biology techniques. You will be able to work independently, have good communication skills and interact well with the team. You will be expected to take a collaborative and pragmatic approach when planning the work schedules in order to prioritise effectively.

About Us:

The Bayraktar group studies the cellular wiring of human tissues using spatial genomics, focusing on brain development and disease. Our highly collaborative and international team has expertise in single cell/spatial genomics, microscopy and multi-modal data analysis. We lead an international project on resolving the TME-tumour cell interactions in glioblastoma using single cell and spatial transcriptomics. The Spatial Genomics team is a core research group that provides histology, spatial transcriptomics and imaging expertise to the Institute and works with multiple research teams.

Essential Skills:

Technical Skills:

• MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject

• Extensive experience with tissue cryo-sectioning

• Substantial molecular biology experience whether this is through an academic Postgraduate route or other less traditional ways

• Prior experience of running, developing and scaling assays and processes, such as qPCR, RNA/DNA analysis, etc.

• Experience with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

• Experience of identifying and successfully resolving complex scientific/technical issues including the ability to troubleshoot complicated laboratory processes

• Proven track record in generating and analysing high quality data

• High attention to detail and good record keeping

• Prior experience of working with human tissue samples

Competencies and Behaviours:

• Ability to test, implement, and troubleshoot new techniques and protocols

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent time management

• Proven ability to work effectively within a team

• Ability to be independent and organised

• Good attention to detail and systematic record keeping for sample and experimental tracking

• Ability to think creatively and develop workaround approaches when faced with the challenges that may arise while conducting pioneering new research

Other Information:

Salary per annum: £38,013-£45,160

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover Letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above.

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis and the role may close early when a successful appointment has been made.

Working at Wellcome Sanger

Our flexible-hybrid working environment means you can focus on being productive and part of the team while enjoying the benefits of working remotely and from the Genome Campus when you are in the office.

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.