Overview
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome engineering
Open Date 20/03/2026, 08:00
Close Date 06/04/2026, 23:55
Organisation MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
Contract Type Fixed Term
Job Type Science
Full Time / Part Time Full Time
Contract Length Until 30 April 2030
Location Cambridge
Salary £42,159 - £47,071 per annum
Job Description
Overall purpose: To work within the group of Dr Julian Sale at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), providing research support for a programme developing methods for human genome synthesis.
Main Duties / Key Responsibilities:
* To undertake independent research projects, supervise and manage other laboratory staff and provide training where appropriate.
* To design, perform and analyse a range of experiments that may include some but not necessarily all of:
* Human and mouse somatic and stem cell culture
* Transfer of chromosomes between cell lines and characterisation of the resulting clones
* Flow cytometry, FACS and fluorescence microscopy
* General molecular biology techniques
* CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome engineering
* Preparation and running of deep sequencing / Oxford nanopore libraries
* To introduce and apply new techniques across a wide range of disciplines, and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches and methods where required.
* Write up results of own research, analysing and interpreting results as appropriate, and generate original ideas based on outcomes.
* To contribute to the smooth and efficient running of the lab and to contribute to the management of the day-to-day operations in the labs.
* To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
* To contribute to the preparation of research reports and publications.
* To present information on research progress and outcomes as appropriate.
* To contribute to the induction, training and direction of other research staff and students as requested by the Group Leader
* To ensure an adequate supply of lab consumables; to place orders for consumables and to follow up on orders as required.
* To contribute to the overall activities of the research team by aiding in general lab duties.
Key Responsibilities
* Plan own work and objectives and manage experimental work within the project. There is scope for you to develop projects independently following discussion with Dr Sale.
* Ensure the research is carried in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local polices and legal requirements.
* Maintain awareness of health and safety regulations; to make sure all risk assessments are up-to-date and to ensure that all codes of practice are being followed.
* Interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the smooth running of the research group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources, training others in methods and use of equipment and taking responsibility for the use of communal facilities.
* Ensure that equipment is safe and maintained in working order; arrange servicing and maintenance as necessary; liaise with other groups to arrange use of equipment held elsewhere.
* Providing day-to-day supervision of students and training of postdocs in specific areas, as required by the Group Leader
Working Relationships
You will report to Dr Julian Sale and will work closely with other Research Support staff, post-doctoral scientists and students within the Group and across the LMB and with external collaborators as required.
Additional Information
This post is available as a full-time position. Some flexibility in working hours might be required to maintain cells over weekends.
Education / Qualifications / Training Required
Essential: 1st degree and Masters in a relevant biological or physical science and relevant experience in a laboratory-based role.
Desirable: PhD in relevant biological or chemical subject.
Experience
* Extensive experience using experimental techniques relevant to the role, which may include (though not limited to):
* Molecular biology techniques (eg PCR, gene cloning)
* Cell culture
* CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting system
* FACs and/or fluorescence microscopy
* Experience of planning experiments and successfully completing research projects, generating publications or patents.
Desirable: Previous experience in synthetic biology is desirable but not essential.
Knowledge And Experience
* Creativity and initiative: Ability to identify, introduce and apply new techniques/methods across a range of molecular biological disciplines and to have the creativity and initiative to develop novel approaches as identified in consultation with the Group Leader.
* Practical experience with running and maintaining scientific equipment
* Knowledge of lab health and safety
Independent working
* Proven skills in working independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision, integrating different activities to ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.
* Ability to problem solve using own initiative; good judgment in assessing when to ask for support.
Verbal and written communication skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as you will work collaboratively with other lab members on research projects.
* Ability to draft sections of scientific papers, and to contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities
* Ability to work collaboratively and harmoniously with colleagues of all cultures and backgrounds and as part of a team.
* Focused, well organised and able to take initiative.
* Flexibility to adapt to regularly changing priorities and workloads.
* Reliability and enthusiasm.
* Passion for science and a desire to continue to develop skills and knowledge.
Further Information
You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:
* Code of Conduct
* Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
* Health and Safety policy
* Data Protection policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.
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.
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 -
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, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.
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.
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