Principal Scientist – Multiplexed assays of variant effects (MAVE)

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced scientist to join the Scientific Operations team at the Sanger Institute to help define and implement a coordinated strategy for the establishment and development of technologies to study Multiplexed Assays of Variant Effects (MAVE) across the institute. This will involve identifying, developing, designing and testing potential solutions for functional genomics tools that fulfil unmet scientific or technical needs; supporting the implementation of appropriate technologies and the maintenance of high-quality outputs by operational teams.

About the Role:

You will join a multi-disciplinary team working highly collaboratively with faculty teams, research groups and existing experts to implement and utilise cutting-edge emerging technologies for CRISPR-based functional genomics. You will contribute to the MAVE science of the institute, which is a growing area over the next 5-year funding cycle and beyond.

You will be responsible for:

• Helping to develop and implement a strategy to support the development of the current and next generations of techniques, instruments and methodologies in the rapidly growing area of MAVE and functional genomics to meet the demands across the institute.
• Providing support, education and training to Operational staff.
• Keeping abreast of the rapidly advancing technology landscape and assess this against the needs of the institute to provide expert input into the development of future research.

About You:

You will need to have excellent communication and relationship-building skills to integrate multiple research and operational teams and will need to deal with rapid shifts and changes in complex technical requirements as projects develop and priorities change. It is also critical that you can design, implement and troubleshoot experiments and identify areas of improvement.
In addition, you will need:

• Extensive and demonstrable experience working in an applied research or technical development environment
• Extensive in-depth understanding and proven experience in functional genomics i.e. molecular biology/genetics, gene editing including CRISPR and/or sequencing technology
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and inspire confidence and respect at all levels; a strong team player
• Experience in designing and delivering technical development projects of high complexity
• Detailed and extensive working knowledge of applied research methods (e.g. statistical analysis, experimental design, good research practice).

About Us:
Scientific Operations comprises the Institute’s scientific facilities across sequencing, cellular biology, spatial genomics, flow cytometry, tissue culture, gene editing, sample preparation and management, and associated research and development activities. These activities are facilitated by project and relationship management, quality assurance and business administration teams. We collaborate with programme research scientists to develop new techniques and build new platforms to translate ambitious experimental ideas into everyday reality. The post holder will be based within Cellular Operations, but will work closely with Sequencing Operations, SciOps R&D teams and the Adams and Hurles teams who are experts on MAVE technologies and their applications to research in the areas of cancer and developmental disorders.
Other Information:

Additional information

Internal employees interested in applying for this role should apply through the internal Jobs Hub.

Applications: Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include detail on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described.

Salary: £63,900 - £87,000

Closing Date: 03-JUL

Contract duration: Permanent

Role profile: For the full list of accountabilities and criteria, please click here.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the role may close when a successful appointment has been made.

View our 2023-2024 Institute Highlights here: bit.ly/SangerHighlights2023-24    

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

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For more information about our immigration service visit: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/careers/global-mobility-and-immigration-service/