Advanced Research Assistant

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.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a motivated and adaptable individual to support the delivery of high-quality innovative science in the Cellular Operations Spatial Genomics team at the Sanger Institute.

As an Advanced Research Assistant, you will join a multi-disciplinary team working collaboratively to utilise emerging technologies such as Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) (also known as Visium) and RNAScope in partnership with faculty teams. The team will contribute to the spatial genomics science of the Institute at scale. Spatial genomic technologies are used to analyse the transcriptome and other genomic information of cells in their native tissue environment.

About the role

You will be working as part of a team of highly motivated Research Assistants, Technical Specialists and senior managers to deliver all aspects of the Spatial Genomics platform. Initially focusing on processes across the platform from Visium to RNAscope and new technologies in the future. As an ARA you will:

• Perform histology based Spatial Genomic assays delivering high-quality results

• Collaborate closely with faculty groups within the institute to generate high-quality data

• Identify process improvements and troubleshoot methods

• Contribute to troubleshooting and process improvements

• Hold other responsibilities, which will aid in the self-development and running of the department.

About you

• Experience working with Fresh Frozen (FF) or Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) histology samples, in particular, sectioning experience

• Excellent team working, communication and relationship-building skills

• A strong appetite to learn histology, molecular biology & imaging skills

• Good time management and organisational skills

You will be provided with appropriate training for you to fulfil your role. We encourage all staff to take part in the learning and development opportunities available within the department and the wider Institute.

About the team

We are a core operations group, responsible for providing histology-based cell biology resource and expertise to the wider institute. Working as a cohesive team, to successfully deliver a number of product lines, building a culture of respect and continuous process improvements for faculty teams across the Sanger Institute. Our role is to support the institute in its aims and for that, we continually strive to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research including exploring automation opportunities.

Our purpose is to contribute to the emergence and testing of new spatial technologies, providing the spatial context of sequencing data. Ultimately, the work we do will inform the understanding of the human body, therefore contributing to the understanding of disease, diagnosis and treatment. This includes public engagement that relates to the overarching contribution to science in the community.

Further information about CellOps and the Spatial Genomics Platform can be found on our website: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/collaboration/spatial-genomics-platform/

Essential Skills

• Degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience, whether this is through an academic Postgraduate route or other less traditional ways

• Prior experience of running, developing and scaling assays and processes related to histology (in particular sectioning experience), imaging or molecular assays

• Excellent communication skills

• Proven ability to be able to work independently, organise and schedule their own work

• Ability to successfully manage and prioritise multiple competing projects

• Experience in collaborating with others and effectively working in teams

• Proven track record in generating and analysing high quality data

• High attention to detail and good record keeping

• Proven process improvement/troubleshooting ability

Salary range: £30,500 to £36,000 (dependent on experience) plus excellent benefits.

Application process:

Please include a CV and covering letter with your application describing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

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.