Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the Laboratory of Dr Macaulay in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

This role involves the provision of support for projects using single-cell genomics at the Earlham Institute. The successful applicant will work closely with single-cell group members and platform users to generate sequencing libraries from single-cells, using either 10X Genomics or plate based approaches (e.g. Smart-seq2, G&T-seq) for projects both within the institute but also with external collaborators.

Working within our single-cell genomics group, the post holder will liaise with our Cellular Genomics platform manager and Genomics Pipelines teams to bring projects from cell isolation through to sequencing and analysis. They will also be involved in the development and application of new technologies relating to single-cell genomics, including spatial transcriptomics and alternative high-throughput single-cell analyses.

Key Relationships

Line Manager and co-signatory; research teams of line manager and co-signatory; members of EI Cellgen CSP project team; EI operations staff; EI directorate. Internal and external collaborators; Industrial and Commercial partners. Customers of EI single-cell pipelines.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Undertake single-cell library preparation protocols including 10X Genomics, Smart-seq2, Nextera XT, G&T-seq etc. to support the delivery of internal and external projects

60

Liaise with our cellular genomics platform manager and genomics pipelines teams to coordinate delivery of projects in a timely manner

10

Contribute to the development of new protocols and capabilities in single-cell analysis at EI

10

Provide mentoring and training to other lab/institute staff and students and on occasion visiting workers

10

Engage in the organisation of formal training events delivered at EI or elsewhere

5

Communicate research outcomes through paper writing, presentation at conferences, collaborator visits and public engagement

5

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Postgraduate degree (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, cell biology or similar

Essential

Postgraduate degree and significant experience in cell biology and genomics

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrable knowledge of single-cell genomic approaches

Essential

Skilled in molecular biology for method development and application

Essential

Familiar with laboratory automation and its application to single-cell analysis

Essential

Familiar with tissue culture, tissue preparation and cell sorting, and willing to engage with these activities

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Demonstrable experience of sequencing library generate and optimisation of related protocols

Essential

Experience of 10X genomics, Smart-seq2 or other single-cell library preparation protocols

Essential

Experience working with external collaborators to deliver results and troubleshoot challenging protocols

Essential

Experience training others in single-cell genomics or supporting immersive collaborator visits

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills and ability to troubleshoot complex molecular biology protocols

Essential

Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Promotes and strives for continuous improvement

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Earlham Institute

About the Earlham Institute
The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.

We are building a future where the biology of any organism can be understood by analysing its genome. Our mission is to decode the scale and complexity of living systems so we can understand, benefit from, and protect life on Earth.

The Earlham Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).

Our Science
Earlham Institute scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology.

We are home to state-of-the-art facilities and technology, creating a unique combination of expertise and infrastructure. We have dedicated laboratories for genome sequencing, single-cell analysis, engineering biology, and large-scale automation; as well as one of the largest supercomputing facilities for life science research in Europe. Our Advanced Training team also provides access to specialised scientific training to upskill the next generation of research and technical staff.

Our Culture
The Earlham Institute champions 'team science'. Our collegiate and innovative research environment comes with significant support, including a commitment to your professional development, research and administrative assistance, and opportunities to build collaborations with scientists and industry on the Norwich Research Park, across the UK, and internationally.

The Institute is also home to talented technical and operational staff, whose invaluable contributions enable our science to have the maximum impact. We aim to recognise, reward, and develop all staff and students so that every individual feels able to achieve their best with us.

We work hard to nurture an engaged and positive workplace, centred on core values that include openness, technical excellence, and collaboration. We attract staff from around the world who contribute to - and benefit from - an environment that enables them to deliver world-class science alongside a supportive and social community.

For more information about working at the Earlham Institute, please click here.

Further Information:

Our Vision and Mission

Our Strategy

Our Culture

Life at Earlham Institute

Department

Engineering Biology

Group Details

The Macaulay Group at Earlham focusses on method development and application for single-cell analysis in a wide range of biological systems. A major focus of the group is on the application of long-read sequencing to investigate alternative splicing and gene rearrangements in individual cells. The group has access to cutting-edge facilities for single-cell analysis supported by exceptional sequencing and computational capabilities.

Management and Leadership

Requirement

Importance

Comfortable feeding back on project outcomes to internal and external collaborators and customers

Essential

Able to work on multiple projects at the same time and prioritising tasks

Essential

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Assistant

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant to join the Laboratory of Dr Macaulay in the Research Faculty of the Earlham Institute, based in Norwich, UK.

Background:

The Macaulay Group at Earlham focusses on method development and application for single-cell analysis in a wide range of biological systems. A major focus of the group is on the application of long-read sequencing to investigate alternative splicing and gene rearrangements in individual cells. The group has access to cutting-edge facilities for single-cell analysis supported by exceptional sequencing and computational capabilities.

The role:

This role involves the provision of support for projects using single-cell genomics at the Earlham Institute.

The successful applicant will work closely with single-cell group members and platform users to generate sequencing libraries from single-cells, using either 10X Genomics or plate based approaches (e.g. Smart-seq2, G&T-seq) for projects both within the institute but also with external collaborators. Working within our single-cell genomics group, the post holder will liaise with our Cellular Genomics platform manager and Genomics Pipelines teams to bring projects from cell isolation through to sequencing and analysis.

They will also be involved in the development and application of new technologies relating to single-cell genomics, including spatial transcriptomics and alternative high-throughput single-cell analyses. 

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in genomics / single-cell genomics and a keen interest in applying new technologies in cellular genomics to resolve a wide array of biological questions.  Good communication and organisation skills with the ability to work independently are also required.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £33,050 to £40,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.  This is a full-time post for a contract of 36 months.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

The closing date for applications will be 27 March 2023.