Senior Molecular Biologist

Research Institute 1 MRC Mary Lyon Centre
Research Institute / Unit Information 1 The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
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Contract Type 1 Permanent
Job Type 1 Technical & Scientific Professionals
Full Time / Part Time 1 Full Time
The Mary Lyon Centre at the Medical Research Council Harwell (MLC) is recruiting a Molecular Biologist to work as part of a genome engineering team and on a collaborative technology development programme in Genome Editing and Engineering. The successful candidate will work within the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) group and in close collaboration with the Genotyping core facility. 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. They will review the data for validation of new alleles. The post-holder will collaborate with other senior members in the group to analyse production data, refine lab processes and present findings in publications. An understanding of gene structure and expertise in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing) are required. Previous experience in the analysis of Sanger sequencing data is desirable. Specialist training in genome engineering can be provided.
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 as part of a team
Design and validate genome-engineered alleles for the generation of models, working as part of a team with the other Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) team members, including direct reports, and reporting to the Head of MCB
Work with scientists in the various research groups, to help design alleles for new mouse models
Interface with the senior team of the Mary Lyon Centre, including the Director and Heads of Departments, to deliver key programmes and services
Some flexible working patterns and paid weekend work may be required at the discretion of the supervisor.
Person Specification 1 Education/Qualifications/Training Required:
PhD in Biological Sciences, or equivalent, involving the use of molecular biology
Previous Work Experience Required:
Use or generation of genetically altered cell lines or animals
Extensive use of PCR-based techniques
Experience of Sanger sequencing or digital PCR
Evidence of quality- and customer-focused work
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
Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience of process analysis and refinement
Personal skills/Behaviours/Qualities:
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 1 Equality & Diversity:
Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good equality and diversity leadership and management. 
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The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities 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.
Medical Research Council
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