Laboratory Research Scientist

Reporting to: Dr Pontus Skoglund (Group Leader)

Contract term: This is a full–time, fixed term (2 year) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.

Summary

A position as a Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS) has been created at the Ancient Genomics Lab () of the Francis Crick Institute, led by Dr Pontus Skoglund and working directly under Mrs Monica Kelly.

The post holder will be involved in the operation of the specialised ancient DNA clean room facility; Post PCR and skeletal sample processing. Applications are welcome from candidates with excellent organisational skills, a track record of high–fidelity laboratory work, and expertise in molecular biology techniques and preferably some bioarchaeology experience.

The Role

The role of a Laboratory Research Scientist in 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:

• Collaborating with other lab members on/Assisting other lab members with/ research projects.
• Providing experimental or technical support to other lab members.
• Providing technical expertise/ input for the development, refinement and troubleshooting of relevant methodologies.
• Participating in academic activities, including group meetings and journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings.
• Organisation and management of the laboratory, including maintaining laboratory databases, 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.
• Liaising with Science Operations and attending key quadrant meetings.
• Writing risk assessments and SOPs and providing safety guidance to lab members.

The Research Group

Dr Skoglund's laboratory focuses on developing molecular and computational tools to retrieve ancient genomes from past populations in conjunction with statistical population genetic approaches, with the overarching goal to study how ecological and cultural factors have shaped human population structure and biology during momentous transitions in prehistory.

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at:

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.
• Pooling and fragment restriction, prior to whole–genome shotgun sequencing.
• Genome sequencing. Organize and enable sequencing by liaising with the Advanced Sequencing Technology Platform core facility at the Crick.
• Ethical handling of human remains (British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology guidelines).

• Skeletal sample handling, shipping and cataloguing.
• Manual first molecular digestion step.
• Targeted hybridisation enrichment for human and canine SNP targets and pathogens.
• Scientific interaction and publication. Participation in scientific meetings within the group and wider community. Contribute to publications and presentations.

Experience and Competencies

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

Bold; Open; Collegial

Essential

Qualifications, experience and competencies:

• BSc in Biology, Biochemistry or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience with molecular biology laboratory work
• Strong skills in organising and recording experiments
• Strong collaborative ability and teamwork experience
• Ability to prioritise and manage own time
• Ability to communicate and present data

Desirable

• Experience with next–generation sequencing and genomics
• Experience with automated liquid handling instruments (Agilent and/or Hamilton)
• Experience with the use of databases
• Strong skills in organising and recording sample handling

Beneficial

• Experience with bioinformatics processing of genomic sequence data
• Experience with ancient DNA extraction from skeletal material

• Experience in DNA library preparation methods and high–throughput sequencing
• Experience with managing ancient skeletal material

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.

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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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: