Research Assistant (Wang Group) (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wang Group at the CRUK Cambridge Institute, part of the University of Cambridge, seeks an experienced Research Assistant to join our expanding team. You will prepare and image cells and tissue samples and contribute to sequencing library generation for chromatin and epigenomic assays.

Working closely with Dr Wang and postdoctoral colleagues, you will help establish routine workflows, quality controls and training for new group members in a dynamic, newly established laboratory funded by

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field.
• Experience with microscopy, sequencing library prep, or image analysis is advantageous.
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, stain and image cultured cells and tissue sections for multiplex fluorescence microscopy.
• Prepare sequencing libraries for chromatin and epigenomic assays; maintain related samples and records.
• Carry out routine image quantification and data extraction using Fiji/ImageJ, MATLAB or Python and the group's pipelines.
• Work with the Group Leader on experimental design, and contribute to data interpretation, group discussions, figure preparation and manuscripts.
• Support the commissioning, benchmarking and routine quality control of new imaging and molecular workflows in a newly established laboratory.
• Maintain cell lines, reagent and antibody inventories, equipment records and risk assessments, and support ordering and supply management.
• Keep up to date with developments in the relevant methods, and propose improvements to protocols where you see them.
• Help train and support new group members in techniques you have mastered.

Skills

Microscopy

Sequencing

Image analysis

Laboratory workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Join us at the world-leading CRUK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities, and we're eagerly searching for an experienced Research Assistant to join our Wang Group.

The Wang Group develops and applies cutting-edge imaging and sequencing methods to bridge the gap between high resolution microscopy and genome-wide discovery. Our research program is focused on creating a quantitative, multi-scale understanding of the cell to reveal fundamental principles linking molecular-level organisation to cellular functions and pathological states.

We seek an experienced, organised and collaborative individual for this role. This post sits at the experimental core of the group's work. You will prepare and image cells and tissue samples for expansion and multiplexed in situ microscopy, and generate chromatin and epigenomic sequencing libraries. Working closely with Dr Wang and with postdoctoral and doctoral colleagues, you will be central to establishing the group's routine workflows, reference standards and quality controls during its first year.

What you will do in this post:

• Prepare, stain and image cultured cells and tissue sections for quantitative and multiplexed fluorescence microscopy, including the sample-preparation chemistry.
• Prepare sequencing libraries for chromatin and epigenomic assays, and maintain the associated sample, reagent and metadata records.
• Carry out routine image quantification and data extraction using Fiji/ImageJ, MATLAB or Python and the group's established analysis pipelines.
• Work with the Group Leader on experimental design, and contribute to data interpretation, group discussions, figure preparation and manuscripts.
• Support the commissioning, benchmarking and routine quality control of new imaging and molecular workflows in a newly established laboratory.
• Maintain cell lines, reagent and antibody inventories, equipment records and risk assessments, and support ordering and supply management.
• Keep up to date with developments in the relevant methods, and propose improvements to protocols where you see them.
• Help train and support new group members in techniques you have mastered.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

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.