Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge invites an enthusiastic and technically skilled research assistant to join the Radford Lab at the Wellcome Genome Campus. You will work on high-throughput molecular and cellular techniques, including CRISPR/CAS9 mediated editing, sequencing assays and single-cell RNAseq, advancing our maps of variant effects for disease genes.

You will oversee techniques, develop new methods, participate in group meetings and training, and contribute to a dynamic, collaborative research

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and technically skilled research assistant to join a collaborative lab.
• Involves developing and applying established protocols and novel techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide technical support in the Radford Lab.
• Assist with development and implementation of new techniques.
• Train and mentor other lab members; participate in group meetings and seminars.
• Contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting to advance variant-effect mapping projects.

Skills

Lab techniques

Troubleshooting

Experiment planning

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Next-generation sequencing

Cell culture

Job description

Department/location: Department of Clinical Neurosciences

Reference: RR50946

Category: Research

We are looking for an enthusiastic and technically skilled research assistant to join the research group of Dr. Elizabeth Radford in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences (https://www.sanger.ac.uk/external_person/radford-elizabeth/).

We are applying high throughput molecular and cellular techniques such as CRISPR/CAS9 mediated Saturation Genome Editing (SGE) to assess the effect of variants in genes associated with genetic neurodevelopmental conditions. These data will allow us to more accurately estimate the impact of any genetic variant later observed in a patient in clinic. The techniques include molecular biology and cell culture, CRISPR/CAS9 mediated recombination of large variant libraries, next-generation sequencing assays, and single-cell RNAseq. You will work with a team to apply established protocols, and to develop novel techniques in efforts to broaden the cell types and technical approaches used in the lab. These efforts will contribute to a large-scale international effort to generate maps of variant effect for hundreds of disease genes. Through expert technical input into on-going and emerging projects, you will advance our understanding of genetic conditions that affect children's development.

You will be based at the Wellcome Genome Campus, a highly collaborative environment that encourages creativity and scientific excellence with access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies. We actively translate our research into the clinic. In our lab, you will oversee and provide technical support. You will be involved in the development and implementation of new techniques and will assist with the training of other lab members. You will participate in group meetings and internal seminars. You will participate actively in experimental design and troubleshooting, have the freedom to develop your own research questions and experiments, and be encouraged to take up training opportunities. We have a strong commitment to both personal and professional development. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas and build your research profile.

You will demonstrate core values of enthusiasm, openness, kindness and integrity, and will join a dynamic and highly collaborative group.

Working in the Radford Lab offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment. Located within the Wellcome Sanger Institute on the Wellcome Genome Campus, the lab benefits from close interactions with:

The Wellcome Sanger Institute: This provides access to a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary genomics research environment equipped with exceptional experimental and computational infrastructure, world-class training and professional development opportunities.

European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI): Co-located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, EMBL-EBI is an international leader in data science, and provides access to a joint translational ecosystem, further training and professional development opportunities.

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences: The Radford Lab is part of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, providing access to cutting-edge clinical research and fostering collaborations with neurologists and other pre-clinical researchers. This proximity allows a seamless connection to the clinical aspects of the field and to translate research findings into patient care.

The Clinical School: Offers exposure to teaching and learning opportunities, with potential for involvement in educational activities and interaction with students and faculty (more information is reported below).

UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI): Allows interaction with researchers at the forefront of dementia research, with opportunities for the exploration of shared genetic architecture between rare and common neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to the development of new treatments and preventative strategies.

For questions relating to the post, please contact Elizabeth Radford at [e-mail]

Closing Date: 1st October 2026

Interview Date: to be confirmed Mid October

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.