Research Assistant– Tissue profiling

Relation is an end-to-end biotech developing transformational medicines, with technology at our core. Our ambition is to understand human biology in unprecedented ways, discovering therapies to treat some of life’s most devastating diseases. We leverage single-cell multi-omics directly from patient tissue, functional assays, and machine learning to drive disease understanding, from cause to cure.

This year, we’ve embarked on exciting pharma collaborations alongside advancing our own internal osteoporosis programme. We are rapidly scaling our technology and discovery teams, offering a unique opportunity to join one of the most innovative TechBio companies. Be part of our dynamic, interdisciplinary teams, collaborating closely to redefine the boundaries of possibility in drug discovery. Our state-of-the-art wet and dry laboratories, located in the heart of London, provide an exceptional environment to foster interdisciplinarity and turn groundbreaking ideas into positive impact for patients.

We are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. Relation is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age. We cultivate innovation through collaboration, empowering every team member to do their best work and develop to their highest potential.

By joining Relation, you will be part of an exceptionally talented team, with extraordinary leverage to advance the field of drug discovery. Your work will shape our culture, strategic direction, and, most importantly, impact patients’ lives.

Relation has an excellent opportunity for a Research Assistant to join an interdisciplinary, highly collaborative team of experimental and computational drug discovery researchers in our newly built state-of-the-art functional genomics lab in London.

Large-scale genetic studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have discovered thousands of variants and loci associated with complex diseases, yet it is difficult to draw disease insight as the vast majority of loci lie in non-coding regions of the genome and have unknown function. At Relation, we are generating proprietary large-scale datasets to accelerate the prediction of disease genes from these loci using state-of-the-art functional genomics and machine learning methods. We will identify the key effector genes, cells and pathways involved in the pathophysiology of disease and proceed to predict disease targets for experimental validation.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician to contribute to the cutting-edge drug discovery endeavours of Relation’s experimental laboratory. Aside from major contributions to the execution of the tissue profiling team, the post-holder is expected to contribute as well to the upkeep of the lab and other general tasks across teams.

By joining Relation, you will be part of an exceptionally talented team, learn a broad range of skills within and outside your area of expertise, help us shape our culture and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients’ lives.

Role responsibilities:

• Receive, process, and store clinical samples promptly in accordance with laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Complete, write and maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including electronic lab books, SOP and EOP.
• Assist with laboratory housekeeping tasks to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations.
• Perform NGS experiments, including bulk RNA-seq, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics, and operate the sequencer.
• Troubleshoot experimental or technical issues and maintain effective collaboration and communication with CROs and internal teams.
• Work effectively within the laboratory team, fostering clear and efficient communication.

Professionally, you have:

• A MSc. or BSc in a biology related area with at least 2 years laboratory experience.
• Experience in human sample processing: serum, plasma and tissue handling.
• Experience in single cell, spatial and/or NGS library preparation.

Desirable knowledge or experiences:

• Experience in histology, tissue culture or fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).

Personally, you have:

• A highly motivated and independent, proactive attitude.
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail with the ability to learn quickly and work diligently under pressure.
• The ability to communicate effectively with scientists from multiple disciplines.
• An ability to build effective working relationships with proven team-working skills.
• An inclusive attitude and inquisitive nature.
• A willingness to operate within start-up environments, including reacting to changing priorities.

Join us in this exciting role where your contributions will have a direct impact on advancing our understanding of genetics and disease risk, supporting our mission to get transformative medicines to patients. Together, we’re not just doing research; we’re setting new standards in the field of machine learning and genetics. The patient is waiting!