Research Assistant (Genomics Core) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge’s CRUK Cambridge Institute Genomics Core seeks a proactive researcher to support single-cell and spatial sequencing workflows. You will prepare libraries, handle single-cell samples, and perform quality control while contributing to method development and data analysis.

This role offers training, collaboration, and opportunities to present findings. The post is funded for 1 year in the first instance with potential renewal based on performance and funds.

Qualifications

• Degree in biological or biotechnological sciences.
• Experience with single-cell assays and spatial platforms.
• Familiarity with Illumina systems and ONT sequencing.
• Ability to work independently and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare single-cell libraries using standard kits and protocols.
• Perform quality control on RNA/DNA samples and manage LIMS entries.
• Sequence samples on Illumina and ONT platforms and analyze data.
• Contribute to development of new methods for single-cell and spatial analyses.
• Train users and document findings, SOPs, and reports.

Skills

Single-cell handling

Spatial transcriptomics

PCR/qPCR

Data analysis

Education

Biological or biotechnological sciences degree

Tools

Illumina sequencing platforms

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

10X Genomics workflows

LIMS

Job description

The CRUK Cambridge Institute (CI), a department of the University of Cambridge, is one of Europe's top cancer research institutes. We are situated on the Addenbrooke's Biomedical Campus and are part of both the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, and the CRUK Cambridge Centre. The Institute is home to 18 research groups which cover a spectrum of research from basic experimental and computational cancer biology through translational cancer research to clinical application. The Institute's scientific Core Facilities work in partnership with the Institute's Research Groups and are a repository for deep technological expertise and knowledge, playing a fundamental role at the heart of the Institute's research community.

The CI Genomics Core (CIGC) provides Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services for CRUK CI as well as the wider University and collaborative laboratories across The Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The CIGC supports translational research by providing a variety of bulk DNA/RNA library preps, sequencing services (Illumina MiSeq, MiSeq i100, NextSeq2000, NovaSeqX Plus and ONT PromethION24) and single cell library preps using but not limited to 10X Genomics workflows. We support cell isolation using CellenOne for downstream single cell applications and expanding the portfolio of spatial platforms offering 10X Visium HD, Illumina StartaMap, 10X Xenium and very soon 10X Atera etc.

You'll be joining us at an exciting time as we continue to expand our genomics service encompassing ever larger scale genomics projects and continue to develop our utilisation and innovation of sequencing technologies, library preparation methods, single cell and spatial techniques; providing genomic data for CRUK CI and the University of Cambridge. Genomics is our passion and generating exceptionally high-quality data to translate research is our mission.

Joining CIGC means joining a supportive environment dedicated to your professional growth. We offer comprehensive initial training, support for job-related courses, and a clear promotional pathway leading from Research Assistant to Senior Specialist (Single Cell & Spatial or Library prep & Sequencing Specialists). You will also lead hands-on benchmarking projects to evaluate novel technologies and have the opportunity to present your findings at conferences.

The role holder will assist in the provision of these services as well as carrying out research support directly. This will include the introduction of new methods and technologies to enhance the quality of research at the Institute and wider University. Daily duties will involve single cell library preparation using standard kits from different suppliers, single-cell sample receipt and processing, RNA / DNA sample quality control, LIMS curation, and sequencing these samples on Illumina and ONT sequencers, data analysis of quality, and interaction with users of the services. The post-holder will be involved in pilot experiments, testing and implementing new technologies including novel library preparation for single cells and spatial single cell platforms. In the first instance the role holder will support single cell and spatial activities.

The post-holder will be expected to work under their own initiative for most of their daily duties and also to troubleshoot and resolve any issues they encounter. They will be able to work with the relevant technical support teams of instrument suppliers and may escape issues to a more senior member of the group depending on the severity of the issue. Contribution to teaching within the Institute will include training users on QC equipment in the CIGC.

It is essential the role holder interacts exceptionally well with the Genomics Core team as well as working independently as required. They will produce project documentation including writing and editing reports, presenting data to the team and generating SOP's.

We are seeking an enthusiastic team player with a degree in biological or biotechnological sciences and a solid foundation in core molecular biology techniques such as PCR/qPCR and DNA/RNA library prep. Practical experience with single-cell assays, spatial platforms, Illumina systems, or Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing is highly desirable. You should be a proactive communicator who thrives both independently and collaboratively, helping the CIGC to set and maintain an exceptional genomics service.

This post may require some out-of-hour working and travel to national seminars/meetings.

The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance. Upon renewal of current funds and successful evaluation of performance, the position would become longer-term.

Interviews are expected to be held between 21st ¿ 23rd of September 2026.