Research Assistant LMS 1207
Overall purpose:
The Chromatin and Development lab, led by Dr Michelle Percharde, is focused on understanding the molecular events surrounding cell fate choices during early development. We aim to dissect novel transcriptional, epigenetic, and signalling axes important for embryogenesis. We focus on the regulation of chromatin and nuclear structure in early development as well as on the roles of transposable elements in the mammalian embryo. We furthermore are studying how these mechanisms may be mis-regulated in specific cases of disease.
To answer these questions, we routinely use mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and mouse embryos as models, adopting a combination of genome-wide techniques, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, high-resolution microscopy, biochemistry and molecular embryology approaches to probe gene and TE function during development.
The post holder will possess excellent organisational and technical skills, have previous lab research experience and will be responsible for performing experiments, assistance with daily running of the lab and lab management.
Main Responsibilities:
- To plan and carry out research in accordance with the project aims
- To attend project and related research group meetings
- To analyse and present work to other members of the group
- To interact and collaborate with group members
- To help with the daily running of the lab, performing general lab duties as required
- To publish results in peer-reviewed journals
- To work flexibly as the demands of the project requires (e.g. may be required to work weekends occasionally if tissue culture requires)
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from application form):
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, genetics or biotechnology
- Must have lab research experience
Desirable:
- Master’s degree in relevant biological science subject
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Experience with mammalian biological systems – cell culture and/or mouse models
- Previous practical experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g. western blotting, cloning, qPCR, immunofluorescence)
Desirable:
- Experience in working with mouse and/or human embryonic stem cell culture
- Previous experience in training in working with mice (breeding, maintenance, embryo manipulation)
Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from application form and at interview):
Essential:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, planning capacity, and scientific record-keeping
Desirable:
- Previous experience in Lab Management (ordering, procurement, maintaining databases)
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
- Motivation
- Organisation and planning
- Diligence
- Ability to work in together in a team
- Applicants should submit one CV, a brief cover letter describing scientific interests and names and contacts of two scientific references. Please quote reference number LMS 1207
- This post is only open to UK/EU residents as MRC cannot apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship for this post under Tier 2 of the UK Border Agency’s Points Based System
- Final appointment will be subject to pre-employment screening
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
This opportunity is closed to applications.