Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Senior Laboratory Research Scientist

Reporting to: Foad Rouhani, Group Leader and Jennifer Hay, Director of the Human Biology Facility

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

SLRS: Applies an in-depth knowledge of research, technical or other scientific practices, methods and procedures gained through either experience and/or formal academic qualifications and applies this knowledge to provide a range of specialist activities.

The Role

This is a shared role between the Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution (TRCE) laboratory, led by Dr Foad Rouhani, and the Human Biology Facility (HBF), led by Dr Jennifer Hay. The major component of the role involves carrying out a substantial research project in the TRCE lab focused on applying cutting edge gene editing technologies (in vitro and in vivo) to explore mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Alongside this, the successful candidate will work with members of the HBF gene editing team to support relevant projects within the Francis Crick Institute.

The role of a Senior Laboratory Research Scientist at the Crick is diverse and rewarding. The role covers a wide range of different functions and allows for continuity of lab operations. The role offers support to one or more scientific projects or programmes. Typical activities include:

• Undertaking own research project with the TRCE lab, designing, and executing experiments with strategic direction from the group leader.

• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.

• Providing technical expertise for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant or novel methodologies for the TRCE lab and HBF.

• Managing gene editing projects and collaborations with other researchers at the Crick, working with the rest of the HBF gene editing team.

• Participating in academic activities including presentations at lab meetings, Interest Group seminars and external scientific meetings.

• Writing up scientific findings for publication and completing revisions of manuscripts.

• Assisting with the organisation and management of the laboratory, including maintaining laboratory databases and stocks, ordering of laboratory supplies, monitoring budgets, and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Training and supervising other lab members in key techniques and protocols, lab operations, and equipment use.

• Writing risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures.

The Research Group

We are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Senior Laboratory Research Scientist to join the Tissue Regeneration and Clonal Evolution (TRCE) laboratory. We are a multi-disciplinary research group with a mission to understand the factors underlying an organ's regenerative capacity in order to design novel therapeutics to augment biological function.

We use the liver as a model organ since it has extraordinary regenerative abilities. We have already identified several interesting genes in metabolic pathways which we hypothesise are important in allowing liver cells to survive better in pathological conditions (Ng. et al, Nature, 2021). We aim to elucidate the functional consequences of somatic mutations in these genes and unravel how these molecular perturbations influence hepatocyte clonal biology and tissue regeneration. We model these human somatic driver mutations using a range of in vitro (e.g. induced pluripotent stem cells (Rouhani et al. Nature Genetics, 2022), organoids and bio-engineered tissues) and in vivo models. As part of the experimental models, we are deploying the latest gene editing technologies, including CRISPR screens, base and prime editing and in vivo delivery of editors. Our long-term vision is to be able to apply our findings to stimulate regeneration in other non-proliferative tissues, discover the process of organ ageing and to elucidate the molecular steps to cancer.

The Human Biology Facility collaborates to support, train, educate and provide expert technical services for core areas relating to stem cells and emerging human model systems. This SLRS Gene editing role will provide resource and support to research faculty and staff. The primary focus is on supporting extensive editing work with human cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), using advanced CRISPR/Cas strategies. Services offered encompass creating custom-edited cell lines with various allele types, stem cell training, and project consultation. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the continued development of this service for the HBF.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated senior scientist to lead a highly impactful research project using cutting edge gene editing technologies, in order to uncover novel biological mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration, ageing and cancer. Alongside providing technical assistance to researchers in the TRCE lab and HBF, there will be opportunities to contribute broadly to other projects at the Crick.

Key responsibilities

These include but are not limited to:

• Independently devising and leading gene editing projects within the TRCE research program
• Provision of technical and research expertise, as part of the HBF gene editing team, to assist in projects of other research groups
• Establishing new methodologies in the lab
• Maintaining laboratory organisation and supplies
• Training and supporting lab members in standard operating procedures
• Facilitating collaborations within and outside the Crick
• Provision of technical and research support in human stem cell biology including the tissue culture of pluripotent stem cells and organoids
• Human cell engineering encompassing molecular biology and CRISPR/Cas gene editing
• Management of regulatory protocols and research governance for the lab

Experience and Competencies

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values:

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential

• PhD in cell biology, genetics, genomics or a relevant scientific discipline
• Substantial experience in gene editing using iPS/ES cells, primary cells and/or in vivo models
• Strong research track-record evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• Strong communication skills to audiences of varied expertise
• Proven track record of laboratory managerial and leadership skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Experience in facilitating collaborations
• Experience in training/mentoring others, including PhD supervision
• Scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for cutting-edge discovery science

Desirable

• Expertise in advanced cellular genetic engineering such as CRISPR screens and base and/or prime editing
• Experience in human organoid culture techniques
• Experience in using animal models and in vivo gene editing
• Proficiency in bioinformatics, DNA/RNA sequencing and software for CRISPR/Cas editing strategies
• Proven track record of leading independent projects and/or technology development
• Ability to develop new scientific research methods and to contribute to research strategy

About Us

At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.

We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners.

We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise.

We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.

• If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply via our website .
• All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
• If you require a visa to work in the UK we will help support your application should you be successful

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.
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