Research Technician - Cell Biology in Newtown

We currently have an opportunity for a Research Technician to join our service, providing technical support in the Joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre (FGC). The collaboration between industry and academia aims to identify novel targets and resistance mechanisms to create novel cancer medicines. The FGC develops and applies advanced CRISPR/Cas technologies to perform genome-wide screens to interrogate gene function in the context of drug treatment, supporting AZ's pre-clinical Oncology portfolio.

The role supports the Functional Genomics team with routine genome-wide CRISPR screens and general laboratory support in cell culture and molecular biology laboratories. The successful candidate will join Avantor on a 12-month contract, report to the Research Services Team Lead, and will be task managed in the client environment. This is a lab-based role focusing on delivering the FGC's technical support in accordance with Health and Safety and GLS requirements.

The candidate will contribute to practical delivery of genome-wide CRISPR screens with hands-on experience in mammalian tissue culture and molecular biology techniques, including Next Generation Sequencing libraries preparation.

• Carry out scientific support activities mainly in the cell culture laboratories in accordance with Health and Safety guidelines and local agreements, including regulations governing COSHH, biological agents and genetically modified organisms as detailed in AZ risk assessments.
• Be an effective member of the Functional Genomics team, supporting project teams to meet objectives.
• Support general day-to-day laboratory activities within cell culture labs as required and directed by the lead lab representative, for example: preparing and aliquoting cell culture reagents and maintaining stock levels; general housekeeping, including organizing and participating in lab cleaning rotas.
• Support tissue culture activities: sterile culture of mammalian cells; measuring growth kinetics; performing antibiotics kill curves; generation and testing of Lentiviruses; generation of Cas9 cell lines; performing genome-wide CRISPR screens.
• Execute experimental procedures according to study plans and contribute to interpretation of experimental data and planning of further experiments.
• Ensure accurate recording of results and methodologies and effectively communicate to team members, project, section and department.
• Accurate and prompt write-up of experiments into the client's electronic lab notebook.

Educated to bachelor's degree level or equivalent with at least 6 months laboratory experience in a relevant scientific discipline; practical experience of mammalian cell culture; proven ability to work collaboratively. Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised to deadlines, with planning, organizing and prioritising for own work. Outstanding communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to work as a team member. Ability to deal promptly and courteously with information requests and to use initiative in solving problems while ensuring compliance with standard procedures and practices. Computer literacy: proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, with experience of databases, analytical packages and presenting data using PowerPoint and other standard techniques. Able to adapt emerging best practices and industry innovations. Ability to support a project manager and deliver to agreed deadlines.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Highly organised and self-motivated.
• Clear, concise written and spoken communication skills.
• Good problem-solving capabilities and confidence to respond promptly to deliver the best service possible.
• Good time management skills, flexibility, and ability to handle multiple responsibilities and tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft Word/Excel).

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

This opportunity offers a dynamic growing R&D environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a flexible approach to work in line with qualifications and experience. This is a 12-month assignment.