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Job title: Senior Laboratory Research Scientist in Ancient Genomics
Location: The Francis Crick Institute, Midland Road, London
Contract: Permanent
Full time
Salary: Competitive with benefits, subject to skills and experience
Vacancy ID: 014127
Summary
This search is for a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist (SLRS) to lead efficient operation of the molecular ancient DNA activities at the Ancient Genomics Lab of the Francis Crick Institute, led by Dr. Pontus Skoglund. The post is open to candidates with a strong expertise in:
- high-throughput genomics and automation of Next-Generation Sequencing workflows (ideally on Agilent Bravo Workstation systems)
and/or
- high-sensitivity ancient DNA approaches, for example single-stranded library preparation or in-solution enrichment.
The post holder will lead the operation and management of the specialized ancient DNA clean room facility; sample processing, ancient DNA extraction, library preparation and sequencing. Additional roles include opportunities for research projects, training other scientists in established workflows, and interaction with other scientists and technicians at the Crick. Applications are welcome from candidates with excellent organizational skills and an interest in molecular biology techniques and instrumentation, and a technical career. The position is open to candidates of varying experience levels and this will be reflected in salary grade. Two-way scientific interactions will occur between the post holder and other members of the ancient genomics lab, as well as scientific collaborative partners within the Crick Institute, including Science Technology Platforms (STPs), post-doctoral researchers, students, and group leaders.
Project summary
The Senior Laboratory Research Scientist will provide comprehensive support for ancient DNA sequencing projects at the ancient genomics laboratory. The successful applicant will be centrally involved in implementation of ancient DNA sequencing workflows, including sample preparation, instrument operation, and laboratory organisation.
Key responsibilities
These include but are not limited to:
-
- Ancient DNA retrieval. Bone and tooth powder extraction from skeletal material, genomic library preparation and targeted capture of genomic DNA.
-
- Automation. Execution of ancient DNA workflows on Agilent Bravo Workstations, and implementation of new protocols.
-
- Genome sequencing. Organize and enable sequencing by liaising with the Advanced Sequencing Technology Platform core facility at the Crick.
-
- Clean lab management. Extensive support from the Institute is available for laboratory management, but additional management of the ancient DNA clean room space is included in the role.
-
- Training of other scientists in laboratory workflows.
-
- Implementation of new workflows. Improving laboratory techniques by in-house optimization and innovation, and implementing new advances and best practices.
- Scientific interaction and publication. Participation in scientific meetings within the group and wider community. Contribute to publications and presentations.
Key experience and competencies
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following:
Essential
Qualifications, experience and competencies:
- BSc or MSc in Biochemistry, Biology or a related field
- Several years of experience in high-throughput genomics and/or ancient DNA
- Strong skills in organizing and recording experiments
- Strong collaborative ability and teamwork experience
Desirable
Qualifications, experience and competencies:
- Experience with automated liquid handling instruments
- Experience with training other scientists in molecular biology workflows
- Experience with laboratory management
- Experience with ancient DNA method development and optimisation
- Experience with ancient DNA extraction from skeletal material
- Experience with ancient DNA library preparation and high-throughput sequencing
- Experience with managing ancient skeletal material
- Experience with in-solution DNA enrichment
- Experience with installation and management of new instruments
- Experience with a wide set of DNA techniques outside of ancient DNA
- Experience and track-record of ancient genomic research
- Experience with bioinformatics processing of ancient genomic sequence data
The post holder may be trained in specific techniques by Postdoctoral fellows and will receive support by the advanced sequencing STP.
Lab web page: www.skoglundlab.org
Informal enquiries relating to this role can be addressed to Pontus Skoglund: pontus.skoglund@crick.ac.uk
About the Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical discovery institute dedicated to understanding the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. Its work is helping to understand why disease develops and to translate discoveries into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.
An independent organisation, its founding partners are the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King’s College London.
The Crick was formed in 2015, and in 2016 it moved into a new state-of-the-art building in central London which brings together 1500 scientists and support staff working collaboratively across disciplines, making it the biggest biomedical research facility under in one building in Europe.
The Francis Crick Institute is world-class with a strong national role. Its distinctive vision for excellence includes commitments to collaboration; developing emerging talent and exporting it the rest of the UK; public engagement; and helping turn discoveries into treatments as quickly as possible to improve lives and strengthen the economy.
- If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website.
- The closing date for applications is 29 July 2020 at 23:45.
- All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
