Advanced Research Assistant / Research Assistant

Advanced Research Assistant / Research Assistant

• locations
• Hinxton, Cambridgeshire

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• JR103516

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.

Here at the world-famous Sanger Institute, we are looking to recruit a highly motivated Research Assistant/Advanced Research Assistant based on experience to join the Cellular Services team within the Cellular Operations Division at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. For external applicants, this will be a one-year fixed-term contract; for internal applications, this will be a secondment.

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.

About us:

Cellular Operations is comprised of several teams specialising in multiple cell biology-based fields. Cellular Services (CS) functions as a core resource at the Institute, supporting Faculty Research Programmes to deliver cellular-based research. The team plays a vital role in enabling large-scale and technically demanding experimental projects, with a strong emphasis on scalability, reproducibility, and innovation in cellular and molecular biology. Our current portfolio of projects includes large-scale CRISPR and non-CRISPR screens, the generation of new organoid models from tissues and stem cells, and high-throughput cell line engineering. 

About the Role:

This is primarily a laboratory-based role, and 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. One of the main projects for this role is to generate iPSC-derived organoids.

You will be responsible for:

• Independently performing lab processes

• Carrying out lab work according to established SOPs to agreed timelines and quality standards.

• Maintaining accurate record keeping and contributing to the analysis, review and reporting of data collected.

• Working collaboratively with others in the team to share ideas, coordinate tasks and encourage open communication.

• Supporting the day-to-day running and organisation of a shared laboratory, contributing to writing and updating of SOPs and risk assessments and working in accordance with the H&S guidelines.

• Contributing to improvements in efficiency and quality within the department by proactively identifying issues and solutions and following through to implementation.

As part of this role, there will also be opportunities to contribute to the development of new protocols & technologies and participate in cross-functional projects with the wider CellOps division.

About You:

You will have relevant cell biology experience, including cell culture and cell-based assays. You should be a proactive, self-organising individual with an interest in process improvement. You will embrace the dynamic nature of large-scale research, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and innovation, while collaborating with colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.

We function in a collaborative environment, where you will need excellent teamwork, organisational and communication skills, as well as collaborating 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.

Required Skills:

Essential:

• Degree in a Biology related subject or equivalent

• Extensive experience with culturing primary cells and/or cell lines

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others in a dynamic and highly collaborative environment

• High attention to detail and ability to multitask

• Excellent organisation and record-keeping skills

• Proven process improvement/troubleshooting ability

• A positive “can-do” attitude, adaptable as work priorities shift

Desirable:

• Experience culturing stem cells and/or organoids

• Experience with iPSC culture and differentiation protocols

• Experience running cell-based assays

• Experience with molecular biology techniques

• Experience in gene editing technologies

• Experience training others in scientific techniques

• Knowledge and experience of the Human Tissue Act

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and answer the application Google form questions, outlining how you meet the requirements of the role.

Please note that we may close this role earlier than advertised if we receive enough applications from candidates who meet our requirements. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application without delay.

Other Information:

Salary range (depending on skills and experience):

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

Research Assistant: £26,525 - £31,829

Closing Date: Sunday 01-FEB-26 (may close earlier depending on applicant volume)

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.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

About Us

Life at the Sanger Institute is unique. We are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in genomic research. Our people are shaping the future by delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and creativity to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. 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.

Benefits

We offer an attractive benefits package at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.

Visa Sponsorship

Each year, the Wellcome Sanger Institute welcomes researchers from around the world to the Genome Campus to collaborate and drive cutting-edge science. Whether you're joining as faculty, a postdoc, or a visitor, our dedicated International Team offers expert guidance and support throughout your journey, promoting the Institute’s global and collaborative ethos.