Project Manager - Genomics STP

Project Manager - Genomics STP

Reports to: Head of Genomics STP

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

OVERVIEW

The Genomics Science Technology Platform (Genomics STP) at the Crick provides high quality Next Generation Sequence (NGS) data from a state-of-the-art, multi-platform core facility in central London. We offer complete project management, from initial project planning and submission with the researcher, through sample preparation and sequencing, and onward to data analysis, in partnership with the Bioinformatics STP. All our processes are tracked in a dedicated Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

We are now looking to recruit a project manager with extensive experience in molecular biology and genomics to support our scientific and operational projects. The successful candidate will have a wide-ranging, exciting and challenging remit as a key interface between the Genomics lab team, the Bioinformatics STP and Crick based researchers. The role provides an opportunity to directly contribute to cutting-edge research in a world-class research institute.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Genomics STP team is currently made up of 21 experienced scientists who provide Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) support to over one hundred research groups at the Crick. These labs work at the cutting edge of biomedical science in disciplines such as cancer, infectious disease, immunology, neurology, and developmental biology. Next generation sequencing has revolutionised approaches to biology, making this a key technology for a large proportion of the pioneering research groups based at the Crick. Located in the heart of London - and hosting the latest sequencing platforms - our team has expertise in a wide range of applications including RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, single cell, spatial transcriptomics, whole genome sequencing and capture methods. We run the latest Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencers (NovaSeq X Plus and PromethION P24, respectively), as well as single cell instruments (Chromium X, CellenONE), and spatial omics platforms (GeoMx, CoxMx, Xenium). We use our state-of-the-art liquid handling platforms (Hamilton STAR, Biomek i7, Automata LINQ) to increase throughput and reproducibility of our routine procedures. Our facility processes up to 400 projects a year and we also continually evaluate and implement new technologies and applications to ensure scientists at the Crick have access to the latest advances in the field.

The successful candidate will know how to design, set up and deliver successful sequencing projects in a demanding scientific environment. They will act as primary point of contact for Crick researchers, organise consultation meetings for new projects, manage ongoing projects and assist in the delivery and primary analysis of data. The Project Manager will need excellent communication and technical skills to provide all stakeholders and researchers with confidence that their project has the best chance of success. The applicant will be able to handle high level or requests and manage multiple projects opened simultaneously. They will also have the responsibility to develop tools and workflows to improve efficiency of our operations and data delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific objectives will include, but not be limited to;

These include but not limited to;

• Provide end to end project management of NGS projects for the Genomics STP at the Crick
• With the Bioinformatics STP, ensure sequencing projects are properly planned and supported with respect to data analysis and reporting
• Build tools and/or procedures to improve efficiency of project management and data delivery
• With the Genomics STP Lead, or acting as their deputy in their absence, present performance statistics to the STP's User Committee
• Act as first point of contact in the Genomics STP, as the expert for genomics queries
• Support Crick researchers with grant applications, project reports and publications
• Keep abreast of technology advances and research developments to ensure that the STP stays at the cutting edge of sequencing technologies
• With the Genomics STP Lead, or acting as their deputy in their absence, provide high level finance and budget administration, grant costing, and liaising with Finance department

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:

• PhD in relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience in a research laboratory or core facility
• Substantial post-graduate experience in genomics and/or bioinformatics
• Excellent knowledge of NGS technologies and applications, in particular those used in the field of single cell genomics
• Practical experience in the management of scientific projects
• Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to deliver successful scientific projects from idea to completed data package, either as part of a team or as an individual
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in writing and in person with a range of scientific / technical and non-scientific people at all levels of an organisation
• Ability to constructively challenge themselves and others to deliver better outcomes for all with a recognised ability to influence people to achieve a win-win or better scientific outcome
• Experience of working in a complex environment and getting things done independently and through collaboration and delegation to other people
• Ability to focus, concentrate and accurately complete tasks within given timeframes while dealing with unscheduled interruptions e.g. changing priorities

Desirable:

• A qualification in project management, lab management or safety relevant to a research environment
• Experience in working with a LIMS, including familiarity of developing and maintaining key project documentation
• Experience in NGS data analysis (data QC)
• Ability to develop informatic tools (databases, dashboards, webforms) for project management
• Experience with data processing and delivery workflows (for instance nf-core pipelines)
• Computing skills (R, UNIX, API scripting)
• Experience in a customer-facing role would be an advantage

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

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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.

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