GeMS Senior Research Scientist – Cell Line Engineering

GeMS Senior Research Scientist – Cell Line Engineering

Reports to: Head of GeMS

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

The Biological Research Facility supports all animal research at the Crick through our comprehensive animal care and use programme. The Biological Research Facility provides the Crick's laboratory animal resource and technical services. High quality multidisciplinary in-vivo and ex-vivo research support is at the heart of the BRF's philosophy and operations. The BRF is committed to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, care of staff and transparency for stakeholders. The BRF teams integrate husbandry of multiple species within a range of facilities, using state of the art technologies, via a talented and skilled team.

The BRF Genetic Modification Service (GeMS) provides a breadth of specialist skills and resources for the design, creation, production, storage and use of genetically altered animals, germplasm and cell lines together with ancillary techniques. As part of the BRF’s commitment to the 3Rs, a new service is being launched which will address the genetic modification of cell lines, providing in vitro models for Crick researchers to replace and reduce the number of animals used in research. The SRS will contribute practically to the operation of this cell line engineering service.

The SRS will work collaboratively with the GeMS Senior Managers to design and produce and genetically modified cell lines, setting realistic project plans, tailored to the requirements of the scientific research groups. The SRS will be responsible for managing the operations of the cell line engineering to set deadlines, ensuring researchers are kept updated throughout. The post holder will also contribute to technical development of genetic engineering technologies collaboratively within the GeMS team.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Provision of subject matter expertise on all aspects of the design and creation of genetically modified cell lines
• Design the strategy and the plan for the creation of bespoke genetically altered cell lines in close collaboration with the researchers
• Development and project management of cell line engineering projects, working to set deadlines, ensuring researchers are kept updated throughout
• Design and plan complex cloning strategies, genotyping strategies and the generation of molecular reagents for the production and validation of new genetically modified alleles, predominantly using CRISPR-based genetic manipulation.
• Performing specialized hands-on cell culture and genetic modification experiments
• Maintain accurate records for reporting and compliance, ensuring own scientific work or the work of direct reports, is carried out accurately and efficiently.
• Use, implement, support and troubleshoot the execution of core molecular biology and cell culture techniques and implement novel methodologies within the group to improve production efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure all standard operating procedures (SOP’s), protocols, risk assessments and all relevant records are maintained.
• Pro-active research and identification of new technologies ensuring the early adoption and implementation of new techniques and methods within the service
• Actively contribute to the long-term strategy of GeMS to deliver effective and efficient service in line with science requirements and to science led deadlines
• Work collaboratively with the Crick STPs relevant to the running of this service
• Where appropriate, to explore the feasibility and cost of outsourcing the genetic modification of cell lines.
• Contribute written work describing findings for publication and completing revisions.
• Participating in committees and working groups.
• Communicate effectively with Crick scientist on the progression of GeMS projects.
• Oversee consumables via a computer ordering system, ensuring value for money at all times and maintaining the budget for that service aspect
• Use of the appropriate data storage and procedural databases.

Key experience and competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open,  and collegial, in addition to the following:

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

Essential

• An MSc/PhD or equivalent substantial experience in a relevant field.
• Possess considerable relevant experience with a track record of achievement and demonstrable skill in genome engineering, molecular biology and mammalian cell culture
• Exhibit knowledge, understanding and practical experience of CRISPR/Cas design and associated techniques.
• Experienced in the use genome browsers, DNA analysis software and CRISPR/Cas guide on/off target specificity software.
• Commitment to continued professional development (CPD).
• Experience of contributing effectively to the work of a team with a flexible and collaborative approach.
• Able to work independently and drive a project forward through good project planning, time-keeping, organizational and record-keeping skills.
• An understanding of health and safety requirements in relation to genetic engineering of cell lines
• Good communication skills, both oral and written with the ability to relay straight forward and complex information to a broad range of stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills enabling the post holder to influence and deliver at all levels
• Strong planning skills, the ability to prioritize in the face of competing demands, proven success in delivering work personally (and through others) to tight deadlines
• Good decision-making skills with the ability to use initiative and problem solve

Desirable

• Experience of stem cell culture
• Engagement in academic training (formal and/or informal)
• Experience with the provision of service in a core technology platform
• Experience of science communication
• Authorship in peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognised scientific journal

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/pay-and-benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.

Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.

The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.

Read more on our website: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-and-study/life-at-the-crick/equality-diversity-and-inclusion