Applications Specialist - Single Cell

UCL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

UCL Genomics invites applications for an Applications Specialist within the Sequencing team at the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children. The role focuses on delivering high-quality genomics data, supporting collaborators from design to data generation, and ensuring smooth laboratory operations in a dynamic core facility.

Applicants should have strong molecular biology experience, familiarity with scRNAseq and spatial transcriptomics, and comfort with NGS platforms and

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology techniques and sample QC.
• Knowledge of scRNAseq and spatial transcriptomic assays is essential.
• Experience operating NGS sequencing platforms and generating libraries is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support collaborators from experimental design through sample QC and processing.
• Generate single cell and spatial transcriptomic libraries and perform QC.
• Process data using NGS technologies to deliver high-quality results.
• Manage administration using LIMS and assist with project planning for facility operations.
• Collaborate with internal/external users, researchers and clinicians to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

PCR/qPCR

Sample QC

scRNAseq

Spatial transcriptomics

NGS platforms

Independent working

Team collaboration

Tools

LIMS

Job description

About the role

Applications are invited for an Applications Specialist position within the Sequencing team at UCL Genomics, UCL’s largest genomics facility based in the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children. UCL Genomics provides cutting-edge technologies, expert guidance, and comprehensive support to enable high-quality genomic research. The successful candidate will play an important role in delivering a high-quality genomics service provision within the Single Cell and Spatial Transcriptomic streams. The postholder will initially be responsible for supporting collaborators from experimental design through sample QC and processing. This will include generating single cell and spatial transcriptomic libraries, QC and generation of the data using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The role also includes the associated administration using LIMS, organisational and project planning activities required to support the efficient operation of the facility. This is a varied, predominantly lab-based position offering excellent opportunities to develop expertise across a range of sequencing technologies and contribute to the continuous improvement of a leading genomics core facility. This can involve testing and validating new solutions for scRNAseq and spatial transcriptomic assays from various solution providers. You will work closely with other Applications Specialists and colleagues to deliver reliable, high-quality data and an excellent service provision to our users. As single cell and spatial technologies are rapidly evolving, the responsibilities and scope of the role may develop over time. Collaboration is central to this role and a large proportion of the work involves supporting both internal and external users, and the postholder will work closely with researchers, principal investigators, clinicians, and industry professionals as well as other facility staff to ensure projects are delivered in a timely manner and to a high stan dard. For candidates appointed at grade 7, additional responsibilities will include leading the expansion and strategic development of the spatial transcriptomics stream, contributing to more complex operational and administrative tasks, and delivering presentations to internal and external audiences. This post is available initially until December 2027 with the possibility of extension.

About you

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong interest in genomic technologies and considerable practical experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR/qPCR and sample QC. Knowledge of scRNAseq and spatial transcriptomic assays would be essential to flourish within this role. The successful candidate should be confident in following detailed laboratory protocols. Experience of operating NGS sequencing platforms and performing scRNAseq or spatial transcriptomic assays would be highly desirable, although full training will be provided. We are particularly interested in candidates who are keen to develop their expertise within a collaborative genomics facility and contribute to the delivery of a high-quality service provision. As a key member of the team, we are seeking an effective team player who can work collaboratively with others but is also able to work independently and manage their own workload. A proactive approach, attention to detail, good communication skills and a commitment to providing an excellent service will be important attributes for success in this role. Candidates appointed at grade 7 will lead on the expansion and strategic development of the Spatial Transcriptomics stream. and will be expected to be able to deliver and organise presentations in internal facility, project and departmental meetings as well as external symposia and conferences as required.

What we offer:

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/r eward-and-benefits to find out more.

£43,981 to £54,019. Grade 7