University of Cambridge
Research Assistant (Genomics Core) (Fixed Term)
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About the Role
The CRUK Cambridge Institute (CI), a department of the University of Cambridge, is one of Europe's top cancer research institutes. The Institute is home to 18 research groups which cover a spectrum of research from basic experimental and computational cancer biology through translational cancer research to clinical application. The Institute's scientific Core Facilities work in partnership with the Institute's Research Groups and are a repository for deep technological expertise and knowledge, playing a fundamental role at the heart of the Institute's research community.
The CI Genomics Core (CIGC) provides Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services for CRUK CI as well as the wider University and collaborative laboratories across the campus. The CIGC supports translational research by providing a variety of bulk DNA/RNA library preps, sequencing services.
You'll be joining us at an exciting time as we continue to expand our genomics service encompassing ever larger scale genomics projects and continue to develop our utilisation and innovation of sequencing technologies, library preparation methods, single cell and spatial techniques; providing genomic data for CRUK CI and the University of Cambridge. Genomics is our passion and generating exceptionally high-quality data to translate research is our mission.
Responsibilities
Joining CIGC means joining a supportive environment dedicated to your professional growth. We offer comprehensive initial training, support for job-related courses, and a clear promotional pathway leading from Research Assistant to Senior Specialist (Single Cell & Spatial or Library prep & Sequencing Specialists). You will also lead hands-on benchmarking projects to evaluate novel technologies and have the opportunity to present your findings at conferences.
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The role holder will assist in the provision of these services as well as carrying out research support directly. This will include the introduction of new methods and technologies to enhance the quality of research at the Institute and wider University. Daily duties will involve single cell library preparation using standard kits from different suppliers, single-cell sample receipt and processing, RNA / DNA sample quality control, LIMS curation, and sequencing these samples on Illumina and ONT sequencers, data analysis of quality, and interaction with users of the services. The post-holder will be involved in pilot experiments, testing and implementing new technologies including novel library preparation for single cells and spatial single cell platforms. In the first instance the role holder will support single cell and spatial activities.
The post-holder will be expected to work under their own initiative for most of their daily duties and also to troubleshoot and resolve any issues they encounter. They will be able to work with the relevant technical support teams of instrument suppliers and may escalate issues to a more senior member of the group depending on the severity of the issue. Contribution to teaching within the Institute will include training users on QC equipment in the CIGC.
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Requirements
We are seeking an enthusiastic team player with a degree in biological or biotechnological sciences and a solid foundation in core molecular biology techniques such as PCR/qPCR and DNA/RNA library prep. Practical experience with single-cell assays, spatial platforms, Illumina systems, or Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing is highly desirable. You should be a proactive communicator who thrives both independently and collaboratively, helping the CIGC to set and maintain an exceptional genomics service.
Job Details
- Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.
- Interviews: Expected to be held between 21st – 23rd of September 2026.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
This post may require some out-of-hour working and travel to national seminars/meetings.
Contact Information
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: mailbox-hr@cruk.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference SW50694 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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