Research Support Assistant

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.

Person Specification

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.