View Vacancy Graduate Scheme: Research Assistant MLC 2540 Open Date 06/01/2024, 00:00 Close Date 09/02/2025, 23:55 Research Institute MRC Mary Lyon Centre Research Institute / Unit Information About Us: The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) https://www.har.mrc.ac.uk/ is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration. The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a great place to work and progress your career. The MRC encourages the integration of clinical and discovery research to elucidate both disease processes and potential new therapies. The MLC provides vital scientific support for the UK biomedical community and focuses on preclinical research using mouse models, which supports clinical research and therapy discovery. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council UK Research and Innovation is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, more information can be found at www.ukri.org Band MRC - 5 Location Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire Salary £30,911 Contract Type Fixed Term Job Type Science Full Time / Part Time Full Time Contract Length 23 Months Job Description Overall Purpose: The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell is recruiting a Research Assistant on the MLC Graduate Scheme to its cell culture laboratories, to provide technical support in a busy molecular biology service team. Their activity will span a range of molecular biology and cell culture techniques, including learning to culture both mouse ES cell and organoid lines. Additional training in a range of soft skills will be provided as a part of a Graduate cohort undergoing technical training in a range of specialities. This Graduate placement is based within a long-established laboratory tasked with the generation and quality control of ES cell and organoid lines leading to the generation of genetically defined mouse lines at the Mary Lyon Centre. Youwill gain highly coveted expertise in the culture of ES cells and organoids and will be taught to implement a range of molecular protocols (preparation of DNA, PCR, digital PCR, CRISPR-guide cloning and transfection) in a fast-paced environment with a strong team focus. Emphasis on particular techniques will vary according to service demand. In addition, the graduate will gain a deep understanding of the many different types of genetic alterations that are employed in laboratory animals. This represents a unique opportunity to acquire a strong practical knowledge in a broad range of highly desirable cellular and molecular biology skills in a group recognised for its expertise and the quality of its output. Additional training in a range of soft skills will be provided as part of a Graduate cohort undergoing technical training in a range of specialities. Main Duties/Key Responsibilities: The culture of mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, stem cells and organoid lines. Using a variety of electroporation techniques to develop novel ES cell lines with known genetic modifications and the quality control of those lines. Preparation of ES cells and organoid cell lines for micro-injection to generate mouse models. Sample management and communication of results internally. Other general duties required are to ensure smooth running of a cellular biology laboratory i.e. ordering reagents - tasks shared with the rest of the team. Working Relationships: Working as part of a team with the other cell culture team members, Develop and culture ES cell and organoid lines as directed by the cell culture laboratory manager. Work with a range of technical support staff, including highly trained post-doctoral technologists, to produce cellular and molecular biology work for the molecular and cellular biology group for the Mary Lyon Centre. Additional Information: Some flexible work patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor and as part of a team rota. Person Specification Education/Qualifications/Training Required: Essential: BSc in Biological Sciences or related. Understanding of basic molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR) Understanding of basic cell culture techniques (media preparation, sterile conditions) Desirable: Understanding of genome engineering techniques (gene targeting, CRISPR-based tools) Previous Work Experience Required: Essential: Work in a laboratory. Desirable: Previous work with genetically modified materials. Evidence of quality focused work. Knowledge and Experience: Essential: Some initial experience in basic techniques of Molecular Biology e.g. PCR, cloning, or qPCR. Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results. Some experience of work in sterile conditions. Desirable: An understanding of genetic modification in laboratory animals. Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities: Essential: Organised, hard-working with precision and a strong eye for detail. Able to work well as part of a team, as well as independently. Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Further Information Equality & Diversity The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management. Corporate/Local Responsibilities & Requirements The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC's: Code of Conduct Equality and Diversity policy Health and Safety policy Data Protection and Security policy Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post-holder and their manager. The above lists are not exhaustive and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC. The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council. In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs. We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.