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. About the Role: We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join our Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Programme for a fixed term contract until 31st October 2025. This laboratory based role provides an exciting opportunity to work with cancer cell models including organoids and a collection of over 1000 cell lines. You will be responsible for: 1. Perform CRISPR screens in cancer cell models. Establish Cas9 versions of required models. Perform library preparation and transduction. 2. Where required, assist in Drug Sensitivity screens in cancer cell models. Culture and maintain cell line and organoid models. Prepare and plate cancer cell lines in multiple formats for drug screening and operate liquid handling robot platforms. 3. Prepare reagents and maintain consumable stocks for both screening pipelines. 4. Carry out routine laboratory housekeeping tasks to maintain an effective and safe laboratory area. 5. Expand and freeze down cell lines in liquid N2 to maintain our collection & prepare cell pellets for subsequent authentication and genomic characterisation. 6. Support senior team members in assay development and optimisation of existing processes. 7. Communicate updates and discuss schedules at daily organisational meetings. 8.Report robotic/equipment faults to senior team members as they arise & perform basic trouble-shooting to ensure a rapid solution and avoid a decrease in lab output or data quality. About Us: The Garnett Group focuses on understanding the consequences of alterations in the DNA of cancer cells. We do this at scale using multiple approaches including drug sensitivity and genetic perturbation screens in cancer cell line and organoid models. Vulnerabilities within cancer cells identified from the data generated can then be exploited as novel drug targets or as genetic markers for patient selection. About You: The role will require you to be adaptable and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to coordinate tasks between team members and across projects. We will be seeking out someone who has good organisational and record keeping abilities. This position offers recent graduates the opportunity to develop their tissue culture and molecular biology skills. It also enables individuals who have gained experience in technical roles to establish themselves in a research team. Essential Skills: BSc (or equivalent) in a biological science or equivalent experience Experience working within a laboratory environment Ability to follow instructions and protocols accurately & efficiently Proven ability to work effectively within a team Excellent communication skills Good organisational skills and record keeping Desirable Skills: Experience using cell culture techniques. Experience working within a high throughput laboratory environment. Experience operating liquid-handling robotics. Demonstrated ability to adapt to regularly changing priorities & workloads. Additional information: Salary per annum: £26,525 - £31,511 dependent on skills and experience. Application process: Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out above. Internal Candidates: We welcome applications for this role as a secondment opportunity, please seek your current line manager's approval before submitting your application. Closing Date: 16th February 2025 Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger: 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. Our Benefits: 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.