🟥 Research Assistant/Advanced Research Assistant – Cellular Operations

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are seeking two highly motivated Research Assistant or Advanced Research Assistant to join the Cellular Services team within the Cellular Operations Division at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful large-scale cellular research projects that support a wide range of Research Programmes across the Institute.

The Cellular Operations Division is composed of multiple teams specialising in cell biology based fields. In Cellular Services, we function as a core resource at the Institute, supporting Research Programmes to deliver cellular based research, with an emphasis on running projects at scale. Our current portfolio of projects includes large scale CRISPR and non-CRISPR screens, generation of new organoid models from tissues and stem cells, and cell line engineering.

We are looking to recruit a permanent Advanced Research Assistant position, and a one-year fixed term position as either a Research Assistant or Advanced Research Assistant based on experience. For internal applicants, the fixed term position is a secondment opportunity.

🟡 About the role

You will work independently within a collaborative team of Research Assistants, Advanced Research Assistants, Technical Specialists and Scientific Managers. You will contribute to one or more ongoing projects as part of the team’s core scientific delivery.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Independently performing lab processes
• Maintaining accurate and up to date records of experimental work
• Developing and reviewing SOPs
• Troubleshooting issues and identifying areas for process improvements
• Communicating work to the wider team
• Supporting the day to day running of the operations team
• Maintaining quality standards

🔵 About you

You will have relevant cell biology experience, including cell culture and cell based assays, with an interest in process improvement.  We function in a collaborative environment, where you will need excellent team working, organisational and communication skills. You will use these skills to train junior staff, as well as working closely with Scientific Managers to successfully deliver projects.

You will be provided with all the appropriate training for you to fulfil your role. We encourage all staff to take part in the learning and development opportunities available within the department and the wider Institute.

🟣 About Us

Cellular Operations is composed of multiple teams specialising in cell biology based fields. We function as a core resource at the Institute, supporting Research Programmes to deliver cellular based research, with an emphasis on running projects at scale. Our current portfolio of projects include, genome wide CRISPR screens, generation of new organoid models from tissues and stem cells and creating fluorescently tagged cell lines.

🟠 Knowledge, skills, and experience required:

E = Essential, D = Desirable

Advanced Research Assistant:

• MSc in Biological sciences or a BSc in Biological sciences (E)
• Experience working in a laboratory (E)
• Extensive experience culturing mammalian primary cells and/or cell lines (E)
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory processes (E)
• Experience running large scale cellular screens (D)
• Experience generating and analysing large volumes of high quality data (D)
• Experience in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR (D)
• Experience in bacterial/yeast culture (D)
• Experience training others in scientific techniques (D)

Research Assistant:

• BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience (E)
• Experience culturing mammalian primary cells and/or cell lines (E)
• Experience in gene editing technologies such as CRISPR (D)
• Experience in bacterial/yeast culture (D)

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Experience collaborating with others and effectively working in teams (E)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (E)
• High attention to detail and good record keeping (E)
• Proven ability to be able to organise and schedule their own work (E)

⚪️ Other Information:

Please include a CV and covering letter with your application describing how you meet the requirements of the role described.

Salary range (depending on skills and experience):

Advanced Research Assistant: £32,691 - £39,230

Research Assistant: £26,525 - £31,829

Closing Date: 30th May 2025

Applications may close early if high volumes of suitable applications are received.

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Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.