Description

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Laboratory Research Scientist (LRS)

MANIFEST Research Platform/Human Biology Facility

There are two fixed term (3 years)positions available on Crick terms and conditions of employment. This role will be placed in Human Biology Facility and will specifically support the MANIFEST research platform under the Cancer Dynamics Laboratory (Turajlic Lab).

OVERVIEW

MANIFEST Platform (Cancer Dynamics Laboratory)

Harnessing the immune system to treat cancer has revolutionised survival outcomes for many patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies which unleash the brakes from immune cells to kill cancer cells, have become standard of care for many cancer subtypes. The success of existing, emerging and future immunotherapies and their routine use in the NHS is dependent on the appropriate tools, data and technology to rationalise their use and manage their side effects. Nevertheless, almost no biomarkers today can effectively distinguish responders from non-responders, predict toxicity, or guide treatment choices.

An exciting Laboratory Research Scientist post is available for MANIFEST (“Multiomic ANalysis of Immunotherapy Features Evidencing Success and Toxicity”), a newly formed ambitious multi-stakeholder consortium involving academic, industry and NHS partners to deliver deep multi-omic profiling for patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy. The MANIFEST consortium represents a diverse group of UK-wide experts in cancer research and clinical care comprising major NHS trusts, academic institutes and universities, and industry partners. This grant is funded by the UK Office of Life Sciences (OLS) and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

MANIFEST addresses the critical challenge in cancer treatment: predicting how patients will respond to immunotherapy. By integrating multi-omic data and innovative methodologies, this platform aims to enhance treatment precision and effectiveness.

More information can be found here: .

Human Biology Facility

The Human Biology Facility includes the Human Sample Management Team and the Human Models Lab. This role will be embedded within the Human Biology Facility and as such will contribute to the day-to-day running of the relevant labs and work closely with this team, in addition to the MANIFEST platform team.

The Human Sample Management Team (HSMT) is responsible for receiving human-derived samples, processing and logging the samples and carrying out assays. In addition the HSMT can processed blood samples for PBMCs. Depending on the study requirements, samples may be stored or prepared for serology assays, some of which are carried out by the team. Any sera, whole bloods or plasma that are leftover, are archived and tracked by the team.

The Human Models Lab (HML) is an integral part of the Human Biology Facility. HML comprises of scientific and technical staff from the Francis Crick Institute who provide a service and support to all researchers. With close links to the Human Biology Governance Team and external partnerships the HML provide a comprehensive range of services and support for human models’ research. 

SUMMARY

The successful applicant will support reception and processing of human biological samples collected for translational research under the newly established MANIFEST translational research platform of the Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, from within the Human Biology Facility.

This role will require flexible working hours, including a late shift 1-3 days per week, expected to be 12 pm to 8 pm, as necessitated by sample reception and processing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day laboratory responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to participate in all core duties related to the day-to day running of the laboratory, including, but not limited to general housekeeping, stock management, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance. This will include contribution to the HSMT and Human Models labs.

Specimen reception initial sample processing

The post holder will support specimen reception and initial sample processing as needed. This involves receiving, sampling, storing, and processing a wide range of pathology specimens. To this end, the post holder will acquire experience in preparation of serum, plasma and PBMCs from blood.

Sample reception will require routine use of a bespoke laboratory information management system (LIMS), and so the post holder must be comfortable with the use of such systems.

Tissue fragment preparation

The post holder will be responsible for preparing tissue fragments for subsequent molecular profiling, often collected as part of clinical trials, known as patient derived tissue fragments (PDTFs). A high-level of accuracy and attention to detail is required.

DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue

The role will also require the post holder to perform DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue samples (e.g. using Qiagen or Promega extraction kits) and quality assessment of DNA and RNA samples (e.g. using Qubit and Nanodrop).

Supporting the HSMT and HML within the Human Biology Facility

Whilst the primary responsibility of this role is to support the MANIFEST platform, the post holder will function as a team member within the Human Biology Facility and contribute to the routine maintenance and day-to-day responsibilities of the HSMT and Human Models labs.

Quality Assurance

As a core member of the laboratory team, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring accurate, comprehensive records are maintained and will support senior members in quality control. They will be expected to be familiar with relevant legislation related to human sample and data handling/storage.

Key Responsibilities

Receive, track, process, aliquot and assay samples Process a wide range of pathology specimens, including human tissue and blood Carry out tissue fragmentation preparation with fresh tissue collected as part of clinical trials to generate patient derived tissue fragments (PDTFs) Carry out DNA and RNA extraction from blood and tissue samples Effectively manage laboratory stock and equipment Become proficient in various Laboratory Information Management software systems required Understand and follow SOPs and Risk Assessments and be competent in all areas Become familiar and compliant with CL2 practices, HTA, GCP, Clinical Research Delivery and other regulatory requirements as needed Support development of new methods and standards Ensure work and safety standards are maintained at all times Maintain a clean working environment Ensure adequate supplies of stock required Report any adverse issues as they arise

Key Experiences and Competencies

The postholder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, open, and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

A degree in biosciences or similar, or equivalent experience

Ability to work within regulatory and policy frameworks

Ability to understand and follow SOPs and Risk Assessments

Can demonstrate contributing effectively to the work of a team

Possesses good time management and organisational skills

Possesses good observational and attention to detail skills

Possesses clear and effective communication skills

Proven accurate record keeping skills

Ability and knowledge to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal and external colleagues.

Flexible and co-operative approach to working with others

Experience using Microsoft office software package, particularly Microsoft Excel

Willingness to undertake training as required

Initiative to work independently but to understand when to refer to appropriate person when necessary

Enthusiasm and motivation to contribute to scientific research

Desirable

An interest in biomedical research and a willingness to develop knowledge and understanding of the research programs at the Crick; knowledge of the Crick, its objectives, policies, practices and aims.

Previous experience of working in a laboratory

Previous experience of working in a CL2 laboratory

Demonstrable understanding of quality control in a laboratory setting, appropriate sample handling and laboratory data management

Experience of biological sample processing in an academic, clinical or industrial laboratory

Experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction or PCR

Routine use of LIMS for sample management

Experience in laboratory quality management

Experience handling human tissue samples

Find out what benefits the Crick has to offer:

For more information on our great pay and benefits package please click here:

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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