Single Cell Omics Technician

King's College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

King's College London, through the Single Cell Omics Platform (SCOP) at Guy's Campus, invites applications for a dedicated SCOP Technician. The role focuses on executing single cell experiments, maintaining equipment, and supporting researchers across education and research activities.

Training will be provided in areas such as library preparation and sequencing as needed. The successful candidate will work as part of the Professional Services team, demonstrate initiative, strong organisation,

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience with general molecular and cellular biology lab techniques.
• Experience preparing libraries for next generation sequencing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments and maintain laboratory equipment to support SCOP activities.
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure smooth operation of the platform and education/research support.
• Provide guidance and training on specialist techniques and university policies as needed.
• Maintain stock checks and accurate records to ensure traceability of procedures.
• Contribute to sustainability efforts and flexible work arrangements as required.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

DNA/RNA handling

Next-generation sequencing

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BSc or equivalent in genetics/cell biology/molecular biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a key member of the Single Cell Omics Platform (SCOP), you will play a crucial role in supporting cutting‑edge single‑cell processing and analysis techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing experiments, maintaining laboratory equipment, and collaborating with researchers to ensure the efficient functioning of the SCOP. While prior experience in specialised techniques, such as library preparation and sequencing, flow cytometry, and cell sorting is desirable, we are open to providing training in areas where the applicant may have less experience. The ideal candidate should possess self‑motivation, excellent organisational skills, strong interpersonal and communication abilities, and the capacity to work both collaboratively within a team and independently, taking initiative when required. The post‑holder will be based at New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus (KCL). The individual in this role, as a valuable member of the School's Professional Services team, plays a crucial role in providing exceptional technical support to the School and specifically contributes to its education and research activities. Collaborating closely with their line manager and lead academic, the post holder is expected to:

• Apply Specialised Technical Expertise: Provide recognised specialist technical expertise, gained through experience and formal qualifications, to efficiently manage a specialised technical service in single cell methodologies. Execute complex procedures that demand considerable skill and precision.
• Demonstrate Comprehensive Understanding: Possess a solid understanding of the underlying technical and scientific theory, along with a thorough knowledge of associated regulations within the specialist area. Stay abreast of developments in the field to ensure up‑to‑date support.
• Implement Controls and Risk Management: Clearly understand the importance of controls and integrate them into the execution and interpretation of studies. Liaise with service users to comprehend their requirements, complete risk assessments, and adapt the working environment to minimise hazards.
• Manage Administrative and Technical Tasks: Conduct regular stock checks, maintain accurate records ensuring the traceability of laboratory procedures to high‑quality standards. Manage own workload efficiently, collaborating with the SCO Laboratory Lead to optimise technical support.
• Facilitate Communication and Training: Communicate complex information orally and in writing with clarity. Provide advice, guidance, and, when necessary, training to colleagues on specialist techniques, regulations, and university policies/processes.
• Stay Informed and Contribute Actively: Remain up to date with relevant scientific, technical, and methodological literature. Participate in cross‑School/Faculty/university projects and initiatives, contributing up to 10% FTE.
• Commitment to Professional Development: Engage actively in Continuing Professional Development and training initiatives, aligning with the Technician Commitment and Research Concordat for a minimum of 10 days pro rata per year.
• Promote Sustainability and Flexibility: Contribute to the sustainable management of resources according to green laboratory standards. Demonstrate flexibility in working hours to accommodate collaborative efforts and provide optimal support within a team. Occasional out‑of‑hours working and travel to seminars/meetings may be required.

This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/03/2027.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience, The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.

AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here. We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Single Cell Omics Technician to join our dynamic team at the Single Cell Omics Platform (SCOP) located on Guy's Campus, King's College London (KCL).

• Degree: BSc or equivalent degree in a relevant subject area such as genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, developmental biology
• Laboratory and research experience: Essential laboratory and research experience, including general molecular and cellular biology lab techniques, handling of human or animal tissue samples (primary cells/cell lines/animals), and competent at working with DNA and RNA
• Next‑generation sequencing experience: Experienced and competent at preparing libraries for next generation sequencing
• Communication and organisation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, together with proficient computer skills (including Microsoft Office), and the ability to maintain accurate electronic records and communicate effectively with researchers and colleagues. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks and meet deadline
• Teamwork and problem solving: Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment, with a proactive approach to problem solving and troubleshooting.

Desirable criteria

• Single‑cell sequencing technologies: Experience with single‑cell sequencing technologies, including 10x Genomics Chromium platforms or similar technologies
• Bioinformatics: Knowledge of bioinformatics tools related to single‑cell data analysis
• Research support experience: Experience working within a core facility, shared laboratory environment, or providing technical support to multiple research groups

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.