Laboratory Research Scientist / Senior LaboratoryResearch Scientist – Spatial Omics

Advanced Sequencing Facility

Reports to: Head of Advanced Sequencing Facility

This is a full-time, 12 monthsfixed term maternity cover position on Crick Terms and Conditions.

OVERVIEW

The Advanced Sequencing Facility (ASF) is a core-funded laboratory comprised of a team of 19 scientists who provide Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) support to over one hundred research groups at the Crick. These laboratories work at the cutting edge of biomedical science in disciplines such as cancer, infectious disease, immunology, neurology, and developmental biology. NGS has revolutionised approaches to biology, making this a key technology for a large proportion of the pioneering research groups based at the Crick. Located in the heart of London, our team carries out all aspects of NGS from project design and execution, through to delivery of the sequence data for analysis. We have expertise in a wide range of applications including RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, whole genome sequencing, capture methods, single cell analysis and spatial profiling. We run the latest Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencers (NovaSeq X Plus and PromethION P24, respectively), as well as single cell instruments (10x Genomics Chromium X, CellenONE), and Spatial Omics platforms (Nanostring GeoMx & CoxMx). We use our state-of-the-art liquid handling platforms (Hamilton STAR, Biomek i7, Automata LINQ) to increase throughput and reproducibility of our routine procedures. Our facility processes up to 400 projects a year and we also continually evaluate and implement new technologies and applications to ensure scientists at the Crick have access to the latest advances in the field.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The ASF is now looking to recruit an enthusiastic Molecular Biologist on a maternity cover basis. We are looking for a candidate with experience in Spatial Omics technologies to lead our team’s effort in this field. However, if the ideal candidate with this specialised expertise is not found, we are open to considering candidates with general genomics experience.

Working as part of a team of experts you will help the ASF in its mission to deliver timely and high-quality data. Responsibilities include managing sample submissions and quality control, preparing libraries, operating sequencing platforms, and using automation where appropriate. Our facility has recently expanded its capacities in spatial analysis, presenting exciting opportunities for the successful candidate to engage with cutting-edge projects in this domain, depending on their expertise and interests.

This role is advertised as a Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS) or as a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) and the successful candidate will be appointed at the appropriate level dependent on their experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These include but not limited to;

• Support various research projects using genomics technologies, with a focus on Spatial Omics if experienced.

• Prepare NGS libraries following standard operating procedures.
• Operate sequencing platforms and robotic sample preparation instruments.
• Perform Spatial Omics experiments using established protocols.
• Assist researchers at the Crick in the design and execution of Spatial Omics projects.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Assess result of individual projects and suggest improvements based on performance
• Liaise with equipment providers for standard problems and issues.
• Keep up-to-date with the rapid evolution of the field through literature and training.
• Participate in developing methods and techniques in collaboration with team members and Crick researchers.
• Be responsible with team members for the daily housekeeping of the laboratory area including general maintenance of equipment, stock control of laboratory consumables, collecting goods from stores and unpacking shipments of reagents.

In addition, the post holder will be expected to carry out any other duties and responsibilities within the scope, spirit and purpose of the post and its grading as requested by the line manager.

KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: Bold, Imaginative, Open, Dynamic and Collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential:

• Degree in biological sciences or equivalent.
• Strong background in cell biology and molecular biology.
• Proficiency in NGS library preparation, quality control, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with the latest technological advances in genomics research.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or in a team.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
• Flexible and cooperative approach to working with others.
• Proactive, demonstrating initiative and a willingness to go the extra mile when required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment and occasionally outside regular hours.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience with Spatial Technologies methods such as the CosMx SMI, GeoMx DSP and Visium.
• Hands-on knowledge of library preparation using DNA and RNA from various sources.

• Experience in genomics/sequencing core facilities.
• Experience in single cell technology platforms as 10x Genomics Chromium.
• Familiarity with high throughput methods and laboratory automation.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

ABOUT US

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.

The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a brand new state-of-the-art building in central London, which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe.

The Francis Crick Institute is world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; to developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; to public engagement; and to helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy.

Please note: all offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion