Research Support Assistant - PNAC - Dr Jason Chin - LMB 2065

Open Date
08/02/2023, 09:30
Close Date
08/03/2023, 23:55
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation.

UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org

MRC - 5
Cambridge
£25,798 to £31,362 per annum
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time
until 31/12/2023

Overall purpose: 

To work within the group of Dr Jason Chin at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), providing research support for a programme in synthetic genomics. This is a Wellcome Trust funded position to 31/12/23.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

•    To undertake basic research by applying tools of computation and analysis to capture and interpret biological data. 
•    To perform a range of bioinformatics analysis that may include some but not necessarily all of:
o    Long and short reads sequencing, optical genome mapping (library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis)
o    Design and run genomic pipelines (DNA variants detection, ATAC-seq, Hi-C, Bisulfite sequencing)
o    Design, assembly, and analysis of large extrachromosomal DNA constructs.
o    Telomere-to-telomere chromosome assembly
o    In silico modelling of translational efficiency and mRNA splicing
o    RNA-seq
•    To present information on research progress and outcomes as appropriate.
•    To conduct literature and database searches.
•    To contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
•    To ensure and maintain an efficient and tidy Laboratory.

To plan and manage your experimental work within the project along with your supervisor and other members of the project team.

To ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.

To contribute to the smooth running of the research group, including the effective use of resources, training of others and taking responsibility for use of communal facilities. 

Working relationships: 

You will report to Dr Jason Chin. You will interact and collaborate with Postdoctoral Scientists, Research Support Staff and Students, not only in your Group, but also across the LMB and with external Groups (e.g. The Wellcome Sanger Institute) as necessary.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: Bachelors degree or equivalent in science, informatics, engineering or mathematics.

Desirable: Relevant Masters or equivalent relevant bioinformatic experience

Previous work experience required: 

Essential:
•    Basic informatic work skills
•    Experience or theoretical knowledge of basic genomics skills/techniques (e.g. DNA-seq, RNA-seq)
•    Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology

Desirable:
•    Previous experience in genomics and biological research.
•    Experimental techniques relevant to the role, which could include (though not limited to):
o    Running bioinformatic pipelines: detection of SV, LOH, InDels, SNVs, de novo DNA assembly, ATAC-seq, Hi-C

Knowledge and experience: 

Creativity and initiative
Essential: 
•    Ability to plan and carry out experiments, collate and analyse data
•    Understanding of lab health and safety

Desirable: Practical experience of running and maintaining scientific equipment

Independent working
Essential: Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support. 

Desirable: Can independently advance existing techniques and implement new methods

Verbal and written communication skills
Essential: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable: 
•    Experience of giving presentations
•    Has made contributions to scientific papers.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 
Essential:
•    Reliability and enthusiasm.
•    Strong organisational skills.  Methodical and thorough.
•    Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
•    Proactive in seeking solutions to problems and keen to take responsibility.
•    Ability to work as part of a team.

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

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.