Senior Molecular Biologist - MLC 2486

at  MRC Harwell

The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a Senior Molecular Biologist for the management of a mouse genome editing pipeline and collaborative development of Genome Engineering technologies. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group and in close collaboration with the Genotyping core facility. Their activity will span genome editing of the mouse genome and functional validation of engineered alleles.
The available post is based within established laboratories that have significant existing expertise in genome engineering in the generation and quality control of engineered mouse alleles. The successful candidate will work as part of a team and will be responsible for the design and validation of genome-edited mouse models. They will advise genome editing service users. They will design genetically altered alleles, editing reagents and genotyping assays. They will coordinate work across the MCB team and with the MLC groups responsible for mouse production, breeding and embryo manipulation. They will review the data for validation of new alleles. The post-holder will also analyse production data to improve lab processes and will present findings in publications. They will work as part of a team and will manage several graduate-level research assistants.
An understanding of gene structure and expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing) are essential. Previous experience in the analysis of Sanger sequencing data is desirable. Specialist training in genome engineering can be provided.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING REQUIRED:

Essential:

• PhD and further experience in Biological Sciences, or equivalent, involving the use of molecular biology and genome engineering or editing
• Understanding of gene structure/function

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Generation of genetically altered animals
• Extensive use of PCR-based techniques
• Previous experience in genotyping

Desirable:

• Experience of Sanger sequencing or digital PCR
• Evidence of quality and customer-focused work

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Experience of several of the following Molecular and Cellular Biology techniques: gene targeting, genome editing, PCR, Sanger sequencing analysis, ddPCR, in-vitro transcription
• Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results

Desirable:

• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement
• Experience in service provision

PERSONAL SKILLS/BEHAVIOURS/QUALITIES:

Essential:

• Organised and hard-working, with a strong eye for detail
• Able to provide leadership and work well as part of a team

Desirable:

• Able to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of scientists at all levels (from principal investigator to research assistants and animal technicians)

Further Information

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and validation of genome-edited mouse models
• Liaison with Genome Editing/Engineering Service users
• Coordination of molecular biology tasks in the MCB team and collaboration with other teams in the Mary Lyon Centre
• Review of data and production processes
• Development of new genome-engineering technologies
• Design of new engineered alleles
• Monitoring of current literature on genome engineering and updating the team on recent developments
• Dissemination of knowledge in genome engineering, taking part in writing publications and teaching at specialist workshops

CORPORATE/LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS:

The post-holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality and Diversity policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection and Security policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between the post-holder and their manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive, and the post-holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, cooperatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We warmly invite people from diverse backgrounds and heritage, including people who identify as having a disability, to apply for a role that excites them. As “Disability Confident” employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants who have disclosed they have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.