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 three highly motivated Research Assistants to join the Cellular Operations Division at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful large-scale cellular research projects in a highly collaborative environment that support a wide range of Research Programmes across the Institute.
About the team:
Cellular Operations is composed of a number of teams specialising in multiple cell biology-based fields.
Cellular Services (CS) functions as a core resource at the Institute, supporting Faculty Research Programmes to deliver cellular based research. The team plays a vital role in enabling large-scale and technically demanding experimental projects, with a strong emphasis on scalability, reproducibility, and innovation in cellular and molecular biology. Our current portfolio of projects includes large scale CRISPR and non-CRISPR screens, generation of new organoid models from tissues and stem cells, and high throughput cell line engineering.
MAVE Operations is dedicated to the delivery of the pipeline underpinning the Multiplex Assays of Variant Effects (MAVE) flagship program. This transformative initiative aims to evaluate the effects of all human gene variants across the genome, unlocking new insights to propel biological research, advance drug discovery, and maximise clinical impact. Our work focuses on developing, implementing, and scaling by seamlessly integrating experimental saturation gene editing, genome sequencing, and cutting-edge computational methodologies.
CellOPs Scientific Support (CSS) produce and supply high quality cell culture media, reagents, and coated culture labware to meet the requirements of projects that are running within Cellular Operations. We also provide mycoplasma screening, cas9 production, lentivirus production, and reagent batch testing services.
We are looking to recruit one permanent Research Assistant position to support each team.
What you will be doing:
You will work independently within highly collaborative teams of Research Assistants, Advanced Research Assistants, Technical Specialists and Scientific Managers. You may contribute to one or more ongoing projects as part of the team's core scientific delivery.
Your key responsibilities will include:
* Independently performing laboratory processes with precision and consistency
* Maintaining accurate and up to date records of experimental work
* Developing, reviewing, and implementing SOPs
* Troubleshooting issues and identifying areas for process improvements
* Communicating work to the wider team
* Supporting the day to day running of operations
* Maintaining quality standards
* Adapting to changing project priorities and responding constructively to experimental setbacks
* Support management in reporting on project progress.
About you:
You should be a proactive, self-organising individual excited to help support the delivery of large-scale cell biology-based projects, with an interest in process improvement. You will embrace the dynamic nature of large-scale research, viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and innovation, while collaborating with colleagues to achieve successful outcomes. We function in a collaborative environment, where you will need excellent team working, organisational and communication skills, as well as collaborating closely with Scientific Managers to successfully deliver projects.
You will be provided with all the appropriate training for you to fulfill your role. We encourage all staff to take part in the learning and development opportunities available within the department and the wider Institute.
Knowledge, skills, and experience required:
Skills:
* BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent experience
* Experience in life science laboratory
* Good knowledge of cell culture techniques (E, for CS and CSS roles)
* Experience culturing mammalian primary cells and/or cell lines (Essential for MAVE-Operations role)
* Good knowledge of molecular biology techniques
Essential Competencies and Behaviours:
* Experience collaborating with others and effectively working in teams
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* High diligence and good record keeping
* Proven ability to be able to organise, prioritise and schedule own work
* A positive "can-do" attitude, adaptable as work priorities shift
Other Information:
Salary per annum: £26,525 - £31,829. (Depending on skills and experience)
Closing Date: 31st October 2025
Roles may require participation in a weekend rota and therefore must be able to arrange travel to campus.
Application Process:
As part of your application, please:
* Upload your CV
* Complete the following application form: https://forms.gle/EZNhyq2JUkJqYmDQ9
Please note that we may close this role earlier than advertised if we receive enough applications from candidates who meet our requirements. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application without delay.
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.