Research Laboratory Technician (Part Time, Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician to join the Cagan research group in the Department of Genetics. The postholder will support PhD students and postdocs with sample-processing and sequencing-library workflows, including duplex sequencing.

Some work may take place at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in collaboration, with training provided on histology, laser capture microdissection, DNA extraction and library preparation.

Responsibilities

• Process biological samples using established protocols, including DNA extraction and QC checks.
• Provide routine technical guidance to students and researchers on lab procedures.
• Coordinate sample hand-offs with histology staff and perform laser-capture microdissection after training.
• Prepare duplex sequencing libraries, including NanoSeq libraries, and perform QC and hand-off steps.
• Collaborate with the Wellcome Sanger Institute on joint projects when required.
• Maintain accurate records and update sample-status in lab-tracking systems.
• Keep workspaces clean, monitor consumables, and liaise on equipment maintenance.

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Laboratory Technician to join the Cagan research group in the Department of Genetics. The group uses somatic genomics across diverse species including elephants, whales and naked mole-rats, to investigate cancer, ageing and environmental monitoring. The postholder will provide hands-on technical support to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, carrying out established sample-processing and sequencing-library workflows to increase the pace and reproducibility of projects across the laboratory. Our primary research pipeline involves histological processing of samples, followed by laser capture microdissection, DNA extraction and library preparation for ultra-accurate duplex sequencing. Some work may take place at the Wellcome Sanger Institute as part of collaborative projects. For more details about our group see https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/cagan-group.

Key responsibilities

• Process biological samples using established protocols, including DNA extraction, and perform associated quantification and quality-control checks; collate results for interpretation by researchers.
• Provide routine technical guidance to research students and researchers on established sample-processing and analysis methods, and introduce users to relevant laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Coordinate practical sample hand-offs with histology staff; stain and scan histology slides; and undertake laser-capture microdissection of samples after training.
• Prepare duplex-sequencing libraries, including NanoSeq libraries, using established protocols and complete the required library quality-control and hand-off steps.
• Work with collaborators and technical teams at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, with the possibility of undertaking laboratory work there after the relevant access and training requirements are completed.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and update sample-status and laboratory-tracking records in accordance with systems overseen by the Research Laboratory Coordinator.
• Prepare samples for shipment, including dry-ice packaging, weighing and associated practical checks, under the direction of the Research Laboratory Coordinator.
• Keep laboratory work areas clean and organised, monitor stocks of routine consumables and reagents, place routine orders or request replacements within established departmental procedures, and carry out routine equipment checks and maintenance, liaising over repair or replacement where required.
• Follow University and departmental health-and-safety requirements, implement relevant codes of practice, and carry out risk assessments in liaison with the departmental safety officer.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be addressed to Dr Alex Cagan [e-mail]

Please quote reference PC51101 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.