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:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Advanced Research Assistant to support the pioneering research of the Cellular Genomics Programme, particularly Sam Behjati's group. You will work as a member of the core wet lab support team, a dynamic team that works collaboratively across the Programme, the Sanger Institute and the wider scientific community. The team supports a wide variety of projects aimed to understand tissue ecosystems at the single cell level. The focus of Sam Behjati's group being to understand the identity and origin of cancer cells particularly in childhood cancers. This position is for a 2 year fixed term contract.
You will be responsible for:
* Following a variety of laboratory protocols and procedures, including but not limited to, sample handling and management, tissue dissociation to single cells or nuclei, RNA/DNA extraction, preparation of libraries for RNA sequencing, embedding, cryosectioning, laser capture, microdissection and testing new protocols.
* Overseeing and managing day-to-day running of the laboratory experiments.
* Labelling and dilution of samples along with completion of manifests to support the transfer of samples internally between departments.
* Helping review and optimise SOPs and associated risk assessments to ensure maximum efficacy and efficiency with all sample types.
* Monitoring laboratory resources, re-ordering where necessary to ensure stock levels are maintained to help keep the laboratory running as efficiently as possible.
* Ensuring standards of health and safety are maintained
* Facilitating transfer of samples, consumables, reagents and equipment.
About Us:
The Cellular Genomics Wet Lab Support Team assists in data generation by supporting with all the aspects required for delivery of the Programme science; from tissue acquisition logistics (including governance checks), sample and laboratory management, to the development, validation and implementation of novel bespoke techniques for cellular level sample interrogation.
About You:
You will have experience working in a laboratory and ability to adapt to changing priorities and protocols whilst ensuring the workflow continues at a high quality level. In this role, you will have the opportunity to conduct more bespoke experimental work utilising experience and deeper scientific understanding. There may be occasional out of hours work associated with this role.
Essential Skills:
* Degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent qualification or experience
* Relevant, post-graduate laboratory experience
* Significant experience of core molecular biology techniques, including PCR, RNA/DNA extraction, library preparation for Chromium 10x and similar methods
* Experience dissecting, embedding and cryosectioning tissues
* Ability to learn new protocols and then run them independently
* Ability to test and implement new approaches and techniques
* Proven process improvement/troubleshooting ability
* Computer literate
* Excellent laboratory practice
* Good written and oral communication skills
* Excellent organisational skills
* Ability to keep good up-to-date records with attention to detail
* Ability to work to a schedule and successfully manage and prioritise multiple competing projects
* Proven experience of working within a team
* Experience of working on collaborative projects
Other Information:
Salary per annum (dependent upon skills and experience): £32,691-£38,838
For further details, please see Role Profile.
Application Process:
As part of your application, please:
* Upload your CV
* Complete the following form
Closing Date: 26th November 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.