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- Tasks: Support CRISPR screening projects and assist in lab operations.
- Company: Join the FGSL, a cutting-edge lab partnered with top research institutions and AstraZeneca.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for professional growth and transferable skills.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative research that bridges academia and industry, driving scientific discoveries.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc graduates in molecular and cellular biology are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role with funding available for 3 years.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
18 months Fixed Term to start December 2025, Full Time Monday to Friday
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Research Assistant to join an innovative, co-produced initiative aiming to make mental health omics data more harmonized, accessible, understandable, and useful to researchers, clinicians, industry, and people with lived experience. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team including data engineers, clinicians, software developers, and lived experience experts to:
- Scope and integrate new datasets into a new web interface, focusing on mental health-relevant omics and real-world data.
- Contribute to the enhancement of the Open Targets Platform to better present psychiatry-relevant omics data and make it more accessible to diverse users.
- Collaborate with people with lived experience (PWLE) to co-develop an accessible \’second skin\’ for the interface, ensuring usability and inclusivity.
- Assist in data analysis, including harmonisation of large-scale datasets and exploration of biological and environmental associations.
- Contribute to academic outputs, including manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.
This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in:
- Functional genomics and psychiatric epidemiology
- Clinical informatics and data harmonisation
- Co-production and participatory research methods
- Working within a cutting-edge UK-wide data infrastructure initiative
You will be based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and will be part of the dynamic new Cambridge-Oxford BioMind Lab, led by Dr Mary-Ellen Lynall, with access to training courses, seminars, and mentoring opportunities. You will also work closely with Dr Ellen McDonagh\’s team at Open Targets / European Bioinformatics Institute.
The ideal candidate will have strong organisational and communication skills, experience working with data in either R or Python, a medical degree, experience in functional genomic analyses, and experience working with people with lived experience in a clinical or research context.
We would support the successful candidate in applying for admission to a PhD at the University of Cambridge, should they wish to do so alongside this role.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Salary and Benefits
£33,002 to £35,608 per annum
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Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in CRISPR technology and functional genomics. This will not only help you understand the lab's focus but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant seminars or workshops. Building connections can provide insights into the lab's culture and may even lead to a referral, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to CRISPR screening or high-throughput methods.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and eagerness to learn during the interview. The FGSL values individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, so emphasise your ability to handle change and collaborate with diverse teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Highlight your relevant experience in molecular and cellular biology, particularly any work with CRISPR screening or high-throughput experiments.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your educational background, any laboratory experience, and specific projects that demonstrate your ability to support research in functional genomics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the FGSL's mission. Mention how your adaptive mindset and eagerness to learn make you a great fit for the team, and provide examples of your collaborative work in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application process as outlined. Register an account on the recruitment system, quote the reference PR46151 in your application, and double-check that all documents are uploaded correctly before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Molecular Biology
Brush up on your molecular and cellular biology knowledge, especially related to CRISPR screening. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used and how they relate to the projects at the FGSL.
✨Show Your Adaptability
The role requires an adaptive mindset. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated change or learned new skills quickly in previous roles or academic settings.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Understand the mission of the FGSL and how it aligns with the broader goals of the Milner Therapeutics Institute. Express your enthusiasm for working at the intersection of academia and industry during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the lab's current projects, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional growth. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
