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- Tasks: Support groundbreaking cell biology projects and contribute to life-changing scientific research.
- Company: Wellcome Sanger Institute, a leader in biological research with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and inclusivity in scientific research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience, with lab skills in cell culture and molecular biology.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 ÂŁ per year.
Research Assistants – Cellular Operations
Join to apply for the Research Assistants – Cellular Operations role at Wellcome Sanger Institute
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.
About the Team
Cellular Operations is composed of a number of teams specializing in multiple cell biology‑based fields.
Cellular Services (CS) functions as a core resource at the Institute, supporting Faculty Research Programme to deliver cellular‑based research. The team plays a vital role in enabling large‑scale and technically demanding experimental projects, with a strong emphasis on scalability, reproducibility, and innovation in cellular and molecular biology. Current portfolio includes large‑scale CRISPR and non‑CRISPR screens, generation of new organoid models from tissues and stem cells, and high‑throughput cell line engineering.
MAVE Operations is dedicated to the delivery of the pipeline underpinning the Multiplex Assays of Variant Effects (MAVE) flagship program. This initiative aims to evaluate the effects of all human gene variants across the genome, unlocking new insights to propel biological research, advance drug discovery, and maximise clinical impact. Work focuses on developing, implementing, and scaling saturated gene editing, genome sequencing, and cutting‑edge computational methodologies.
CellOPs Scientific Support (CSS) supplies high‑quality cell culture media, reagents, and coated culture labware to meet project requirements within Cellular Operations. Services also include mycoplasma screening, Cas9 production, lentivirus production, and reagent batch testing.
We are looking to recruit one permanent Research Assistant position to support each team.
What You Will Be Doing
You will work independently within highly collaborative teams of Research Assistants, Advanced Research Assistants, Technical Specialists, and Scientific Managers. You may contribute to one or more ongoing projects as part of the team’s core scientific delivery.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Independently performing laboratory processes with precision and consistency
- Maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date records of experimental work
- Developing, reviewing, and implementing SOPs
- Troubleshooting issues and identifying areas for process improvements
- Communicating work to the wider team
- Supporting the day‑to‑day running of operations
- Maintaining quality standards
- Adapting to changing project priorities and responding constructively to experimental setbacks
- Supporting management in reporting on project progress
About You
You should be a proactive, self‑organising individual excited to support the delivery of large‑scale cell biology‑based projects, with an interest in process improvement. You will embrace the dynamic nature of large‑scale research, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and innovation, while collaborating with colleagues to achieve successful outcomes. Excellent team‑working, organisational and communication skills, and collaboration with Scientific Managers are essential.
Skills
Knowledge, skills, and experience required:
- BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience
- Experience in a life science laboratory
- Good knowledge of cell culture techniques (E, for CS and CSS roles)
- Experience culturing mammalian primary cells and/or cell lines (essential for MAVE‑Operations role)
- Good knowledge of molecular biology techniques
Essential Competencies And Behaviours
- Experience collaborating with others and effectively working in teams
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- High diligence and good record keeping
- Proven ability to organise, prioritise and schedule own work
- A positive “can‑do” attitude, adaptable as work priorities shift
Compensation & Benefits
Salary per annum: £26,525 – £31,829 (depending on skills and experience)
Closing Date: 31st October 2025
Roles may require participation in a weekend rota and therefore must be able to arrange travel to campus.
Application Process
- Upload your CV
- Complete the following application form: https://forms.gle/EZNhyq2JUkJqYmDQ9
Please note that we may close this role earlier than advertised if we receive enough applications from candidates who meet our requirements. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application without delay.
Hybrid Working At Wellcome Sanger
We recognise many benefits to Hybrid Working, including improved work‑life balance, focused time, and collaborative opportunities on campus. The hybrid arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role will determine if a hybrid arrangement is possible.
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion
We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible pool, gaining insight and access to different markets for greater impact. We support staff networks – LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability, and Race Equity – to share experiences and raise awareness. We commit to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
Our Benefits
We are proud to deliver a campus‑wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health, a healthier lifestyle, and reducing work‑related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at the Institute. In March 2018, the Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative, aiming to empower technicians with visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability across disciplines.
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Research Assistants - Cellular Operations employer: Wellcome Sanger Institute
Contact Detail:
Wellcome Sanger Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistants - Cellular Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Cellular Operations team and their projects. This will help you ask insightful questions and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your lab skills! Brush up on your cell culture techniques and molecular biology knowledge. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your adaptability! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. The ability to adapt to changing project priorities is key in a dynamic research environment like this one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the link provided. It’s the best way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people and increases your chances of landing that Research Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistants - Cellular Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience in cell biology and any lab techniques you've mastered. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, let us know why you're excited about contributing to large-scale cell biology projects. Share your enthusiasm for scientific research and how you can help us tackle humanity’s greatest challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the role earlier if we find the right candidates, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wellcome Sanger Institute
✨Know Your Cell Biology
Brush up on your knowledge of cell culture techniques and molecular biology. Be ready to discuss your experience with culturing mammalian primary cells or cell lines, as this is essential for the role. Showing that you understand the core scientific principles will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how you adapt to changing project priorities. This will demonstrate that you're a proactive team player who can contribute positively to their dynamic environment.
✨Be Ready to Troubleshoot
Think of specific instances where you've identified issues in lab processes and how you resolved them. The interviewers will want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so come prepared with examples that showcase your ability to improve processes and maintain quality standards.
✨Embrace the 'Can-Do' Attitude
Exude positivity and adaptability during your interview. Share experiences where you've faced challenges and turned them into learning opportunities. This attitude aligns perfectly with the institute's values and will show that you're ready to tackle the demands of large-scale research projects.