Research Assistant
Synergy - based at Novo Nordisk, Oxford
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Synergy Research Assistant / Advanced Research Assistant will be primarily lab-based and part of a team responsible for supporting research projects and working groups.
The role of Research Assistant will focus primarily on supportive tasks that enable research and gain a broad range of experience and competence in specific projects.
Advanced Research Assistants will have developed the experience to conduct experiments with limited direction or supervision and be involved in experimental design, systems supervision and management. They will role model organisational behaviours and values and support the development of less experienced team members through training, mentoring and the application of established soft skills.
It is expected that it will take a minimum of 1 year of onsite experience and performance to develop the competence required by the Advance Research Assistant role.
Reporting into the Synergy Team Leader, the role holder(s) will undertake a wide range of activities, be involved with continuous improvement (CI) activities, and have opportunities for training and development. The role(s) are pivotal to ensuring high standards of quality, business continuity and HSE best practice.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Cell sample preparation, including the loading of samples onto LC and/or MS
Supporting in vitro labs with cell sample preparation for RT-PCR, qPCR, cDNA preparation
Undertake CRISPR screening studies
Plasmid DNA preparation (Miniprep & maxiprep kits)
Imaging, production and analysis
Virus production and transduction
SOP development
Use and support of automated equipment and systems
Assay optimisation and development
Results analysis and data entry into LIMS
Consumable stock control within labs using Lean principles
Takes active role in CI and sustainability activities, e.g., Kanban stock levels, 5S, recycling
Takes active role in general lab housekeeping
Takes part in cross training activities and provides cover for other members of the team as required (e.g., cell culture/cell banking)
Liaison with facilities teams to ensure smooth running of the laboratories
Ensure that all activities adhere to all Client standards (Quality, Safety and Security).
Escalation of any issues to Team Leader
Other duties as reasonably required
The role holder is accountable for ensuring that all activities are delivered demonstrating behaviours and values aligned to Synergy's Code of Conduct and supporting policies, standards, and procedures, including Health and Safety and Environment
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Synergy Scientific Services Manager
Client Teams and Lab Leads
Internal & external key stakeholders
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
BSc/HND in science, or equivalent experience
Experience of routine Molecular Biology techniques e.g., plasmid preparation, cell sample preparation, cell transfections
Familiarity with working in a laboratory environment
Experience of working to work instructions and SOPs/Risk Assessments
Customer service focus, ability to work as a cohesive team
Good planning and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
Ability to use Microsoft office - e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word
Excellent communication skills
Experience of using LIMS
Desirable:
Experience of improvement activities
Experience of working within a research environment
Understanding of COSHH and/or lab safety
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Some flexibility around working hours may be required e.g., early starts, ability to flex hours on occasion, some occasional weekend working
Although the job does not require heavy lifting, some lifting, bending, and reaching will be required and the role will involve being active for reasonable periods of time
Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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