Technical Specialist -CRISPR Screening in Neurodegeneration

Karlstad University; Hinxton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading genomics research institute based in Hinxton is looking for a Technical Specialist to drive innovative CRISPR screening efforts targeting neurodegenerative diseases. In this role, you will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop scalable assays and analyze complex data sets. Ideal candidates should have a strong educational background in Cell Biology or related fields, solid experience with cell and molecular biology techniques, and exceptional problem-solving skills. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking research that advances healthcare solutions.

Benefits

Employee wellbeing programs

Support for continued education

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Degree or MSc, or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Extensive practical experience with core techniques in cell biology and molecular biology.
• Ability to develop, troubleshoot, and implement new assays.

Responsibilities

• Perform large-scale phenotypic CRISPR screens in human iPSC-derived microglia.
• Develop scalable assays for modeling immune responses in iPSC systems.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate data with patient data for targeting disease pathways.

Skills

Cell Biology

Neuroscience

Immunology

Molecular Biology

Genome engineering

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Degree or MSc in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology or related field

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Cellular assays

CRISPR techniques

Job description

Technical Specialist -CRISPR Screening in Neurodegeneration

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life‐changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

We are seeking a motivated Technical Specialist to join an excellent interdisciplinary team exploring how the immune system responds to and shapes neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). You will perform large‑scale phenotypic CRISPRn screens on human iPSC‑derived microglia to identify modifiers of immune dysfunction relating to neurodegeneration.

The position is based at the Wellcome Sanger Institute under the leadership of Dr Lewis Evans, and forms part of the Open Targets

collaboration between the Sanger Institute, EBI, University of Oxford, and University of Exeter. This initiative brings together leading experts in human and cellular genetics(Bassett, Bayraktar), stem cell modelling (Cooper, Cowley, Evans), and computational modelling(Lotfollahi, ,Saez-Rodriguez,Strauss) to identify new therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration.

What you’ll be doing:

• Work with the team to develop and perform large‑scale phenotypic CRISPR screens in human iPSC‑derived microglia
• Develop and implement scalable assays to model immune responses and disease‑relevant phenotypes in iPSC‑based systems
• Validate genetic modulators of immune responses using biochemical assays and high‑content imaging, in collaboration with partner teams
• Collaborate closely with the groups of Drs Bassett, Cooper, and Prof Cowley, who are developing and characterising disease‑relevant iPSC models under genetic and external stressors to identify and test the optimal assays
• Collaborate with Dr Bayraktar’s group and computational teams led by Drs Strauss, Lotfollahi and Prof Saez‑Rodriguez to integrate data you would generate with patient data to prioritise perturbation targets and disease pathways
• Contribute to a unique, cross‑comparative analysis integrating cellular models and patient‑derived data to uncover mechanisms of immune dysregulation in neurodegeneration

About Us:

Open Targets (OT) aims to systematically identify and prioritise drug targets by combining genetic, clinical, and functional genomics data. It is a collaborative initiative between the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a world‑leading genomics institution; the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL‑EBI), a global leader in the management, integration, and analysis of public domain life science data; and world‑leading pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, Sanofi, MSD, Pfizer, and Genentech.

About You:

As part of the Open Targets team at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, you’ll join a world‑class research environment with access to cutting‑edge facilities and mentoring from leading experts across academia and industry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a large‑scale, collaborative project at the intersection of genetics, immunology, and neuroscience applying advanced technologies such as CRISPR, iPSC models, single‑cell transcriptomics and large‑scale phenotypic screening to drive discovery and therapeutic innovation.

Apply now to join a dynamic team advancing our understanding of how immune mechanisms influence neurodegenerative disease and to help shape the next generation of therapeutic discovery.

• Degree, MSc, or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area e.g. Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a closely related field
• Extensive practical experience with core techniques in cell biology (e.g. mammalian cell culture and cellular assays) and molecular biology (e.g. cloning and sequencing)
• Strict adherence to SOPs and attention to detail when performing routine tasks.
• Exceptional interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills
• Ability to develop, troubleshoot, and implement new assays and techniques
• In‑depth knowledge of genome engineering and pooled CRISPR screening
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and a proven ability to work to tight deadlines
• Proven track record in delivering complex experimental scientific projects.
• Highly developed problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills, and ability to organise own workload.
• Ability to use initiative, troubleshoot and work independently on agreed tasks.

For further information and informal inquiries, please contact Lewis Evans.

Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £40,523-£48,143

Interviews are scheduled to take place 27th‑29th January 2026.

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work‑life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus‑wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work‑related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018. The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake groundbreaking scientific research. Our reliable in‑house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members.

Technical Specialist –CRISPR Screening in Neurodegeneration

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton Saffron Walden, United Kingdom

We are a world‑leading genomics research institute. Our work helps improve human health and understand life on Earth.