At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team applying single cell genomics to tackle inflammatory bowel disease.
- Company: Be part of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a leader in genomic research.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, comprehensive wellbeing strategies, and technician development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while collaborating with top researchers and companies.
- Qualifications: Masters in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience required; handling human tissue experience is essential.
- Other info: Salary ranges from £32,691 to £38,838, depending on skills and experience.
The predicted salary is between 32691 - 38838 £ per year.
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. We are recruiting an Advanced Research Assistant for a 2-year fixed-term contract to join our Human Genetics Programme.
About the Role: This is an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary project applying single cell genomics to cells isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or healthy individuals. The goal of the project Open-IBD is to provide a deep multi-omic characterization of early-stage IBD in a large cohort of 1000 newly diagnosed patients to nominate causal factors driving IBD pathology and identify biomarkers of long-term outcomes in IBD, including disease progression and drug response. This project is overseen by Open Targets, a public-private partnership involving the Wellcome Sanger Institute, EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and leading pharmaceutical companies GSK, Sanofi, MSD, Pfizer, and Genentech.
About You: You will be based at the WSI, working closely with Dr. Cristina Cotobal Martin and other collaborators. This laboratory-based role involves liaising with clinical teams across the UK to acquire human tissue/blood samples and assist with processing these for single cell omics assays. Experience in handling human tissue, PBMCs, and plasma from blood samples is required. Training on SOPs will be provided. Experience with large-scale data, accurate record keeping, high throughput assays, robotics, and automation is advantageous. You will support computational analysts regarding experimental processes.
Essential Skills:
- Masters or equivalent in Biological Sciences or related experience
- Experience handling human tissue, blood, and mammalian cells
- Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, RT-PCR
- Attention to detail and adherence to SOPs
- Strong organizational, communication skills, and good work ethic
- Team player with collaborative skills
Competencies and Behaviours:
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Collaborative team player
Other Information:
- Salary: £32,691–£38,838 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
- Application Process: Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the criteria above.
- Closing Date: 25th June 2025
Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: We support hybrid working arrangements to promote work-life balance and facilitate collaboration, tailored to role requirements.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and value diversity in our workforce, supporting various staff networks and promoting equality.
Our Benefits: We offer comprehensive wellbeing strategies and are committed to supporting technician development and recognition.
Life at the Sanger Institute involves tackling challenging genomic research, shaping the future with innovative science, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.
Advanced Research Assistant employer: Genome Research Limited (GRL)
Contact Detail:
Genome Research Limited (GRL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in single cell genomics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This knowledge will not only help you understand the project better but also demonstrate your genuine interest during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with human tissue handling and molecular biology techniques. Engaging with current researchers can provide insights and potentially valuable connections that may aid your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with large-scale data and high throughput assays. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting any past team projects or experiences where you worked closely with others. This is crucial for a role that involves liaising with clinical teams and supporting computational analysts.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in handling human tissue and molecular biology techniques. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the essential skills required for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the specific criteria mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background and skills align with the goals of the Open-IBD project and express your enthusiasm for contributing to life-changing science.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Emphasise your collaborative skills and experiences in your application. Mention any previous projects where you worked closely with clinical teams or other researchers, as this role involves liaising with various stakeholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Genome Research Limited (GRL)
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of single cell genomics and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like PCR and RT-PCR. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with clinical teams and computational analysts, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accurate record keeping and adherence to SOPs in this role, think of specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your work. This could be in lab settings or any project where precision was key.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the Open-IBD project and the team you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.