Research Assistant
Norwich, Norfolk
Main Purpose of the Job
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the Laboratory of Dr Macaulay in the Engineering Biology Programme at the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.
This role involves the provision of support for projects using single-cell genomics at the Earlham Institute. The successful applicant will work closely with single-cell group members and platform users to generate sequencing libraries from single-cells, using either 10X Genomics or plate based approaches (e.g. Smart-seq2, G&T-seq) for projects both within the institute but also with external collaborators.
Working within our single-cell genomics group, the post holder will liaise with our Cellular Genomics platform manager and Genomics Pipelines teams to bring projects from cell isolation through to sequencing and analysis. They will also be involved in the development and application of new technologies relating to single-cell genomics, including spatial transcriptomics and alternative high-throughput single-cell analyses.
Key Relationships
Line Manager and co-signatory; research teams of line manager and co-signatory; members of EI Cellgen CSP project team; EI operations staff; EI directorate. Internal and external collaborators; Industrial and Commercial partners. Customers of EI single-cell pipelines.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- Percentage
- Undertake single-cell library preparation protocols including 10X Genomics, Smart-seq2, Nextera XT, G&T-seq etc. to support the delivery of internal and external projects
- 60
- Liaise with our cellular genomics platform manager and genomics pipelines teams to coordinate delivery of projects in a timely manner
- 10
- Contribute to the development of new protocols and capabilities in single-cell analysis at EI
- 10
- Provide mentoring and training to other lab/institute staff and students and on occasion visiting workers
- 10
- Engage in the organisation of formal training events delivered at EI or elsewhere
- 5
- Communicate research outcomes through paper writing, presentation at conferences, collaborator visits and public engagement
- 5
- As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role
Education & Qualifications
- Requirement
- Importance
- Postgraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, cell biology or similar
- Essential
- Postgraduate degree and significant experience in cell biology and genomics
- Desirable
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Demonstrable knowledge of single-cell genomic approaches
- Essential
- Skilled in molecular biology for method development and application
- Essential
- Familiar with laboratory automation and its application to single-cell analysis
- Essential
- Familiar with tissue culture, tissue preparation and cell sorting, and willing to engage with these activities
- Essential
Relevant Experience
- Requirement
- Importance
- Demonstrable experience of sequencing library generate and optimisation of related protocols
- Essential
- Experience of 10X genomics, Smart-seq2 or other single-cell library preparation protocols
- Essential
- Experience working with external collaborators to deliver results and troubleshoot challenging protocols
- Essential
- Experience training others in single-cell genomics or supporting immersive collaborator visits
- Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Requirement
- Importance
- Excellent communication skills and ability to troubleshoot complex molecular biology protocols
- Essential
- Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team
- Essential
- Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures
- Essential
- Promotes and strives for continuous improvement
- Essential
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills
- Essential
Additional Requirements
- Requirement
- Importance
- Attention to detail
- Essential
- Promotes equality and values diversity
- Essential
- Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work
- Essential
- Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute
- Essential
- Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required
- Essential