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Graduate Training Scheme - Research Assistant MLC 2062
About Us
The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in a growing science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new MRC National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support groups of researchers across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a great place to work. The MRC encourages the integration of clinical and discovery research to elucidate both disease processes and potential new therapies. The MLC provides vital scientific support for the UK biomedical community and focuses on preclinical research using mouse models, which supports clinical research and therapy discovery.
About the MLC Graduate Training Scheme
The MLC’s Graduate Training Scheme offers structured training, a real job with real responsibilities from day one, and a direct route to professional accreditation. It will allow you to use your degree in a dynamic, creative and collaborative culture, while gathering expertise and skills related to genetics research.
The combination of department-led specialist work experience and training, as well as professional development delivered by the core programme provides a high-quality experience for graduates.
We know that you want to use your talent, skill, and dedication to make a difference and at the MLC you will get the opportunity to do just that. Your work will support world-leading science and innovation and enable ground-breaking research that will inspire, shape and define our future.
About the role
We are recruiting a Research Assistant on the MLC Graduate Scheme for the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group, to provide technical support in a busy Genome Engineering service team. The opportunity will span a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques. Additional training in a range of soft skills will be provided as a member of a graduate cohort undergoing technical training in a range of specialities.
This Research Assistant is based within established laboratories tasked with the design, generation and quality control of gene-targeted alleles in the mouse. The group uses a range of molecular biology techniques, including those required for genotyping and for validating the outcome of genome engineering and cell culture. The opportunity will gain highly desirable expertise in a range of molecular protocols; for example, handling of DNA and RNA, PCR, DNA sequencing analysis, droplet digital PCR and cell-culture techniques.
This represents a unique opportunity to acquire a strong practical knowledge in a broad range of molecular biology and cell-culture skills in a group recognised for its expertise and the quality of its output.
Key responsibilities include:
- Characterisation and quality control of genetically modified materials, employing PCR-based techniques and sequencing
- Genotyping and in-depth characterisation of new alleles
- Sample management and communication of results
- Cell culture
- Other general duties as required to ensure the smooth running of a molecular biology laboratory (for example, ordering reagents); such tasks will be shared with the rest of the team
About you
To be eligible for this opportunity, all candidates will need to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:
Essential:
- BSc in Biological Sciences or related subject (S)
- Understanding of basic techniques (qPCR, ddPCR) (S&I)
- Experience of working in a laboratory (S)
- Some initial experience in basic techniques of molecular biology; for example, PCR, qPCR or cloning S&I)
- Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results (S)
- An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals (S&I)
- Organised and hard-working, with precision and a strong eye for detail (I)
- Able to work well as part of a team, as well as independently (I)
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal (S&I)
Desirable:
- Understanding of genome-engineering techniques (gene targeting, CRISPR-based tools) (S&I)
- Previous work with genetically modified materials (S&I)
- Evidence of both quality- and customer-focused work (S&I)
- Experience of working under sterile conditions (S&I)
Benefits
Choosing to join our Graduate Training Programme means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, all bank holidays plus 2.5 privilege days, access to shopping and travel discounts, cycle to work scheme and wellbeing initiatives.
For the full list of benefits, please visit here.
How we support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the Disability Confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for vacancies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to Apply
Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
The closing date for applications is 11.55pm on 19th February 2023.
You are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.
We can be flexible on the start date, but the successful candidate must be able to start by September 2023.
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.