Research Assistant

The CRUK Cambridge Institute (CI), a department of the University of Cambridge, is one of Europe's top cancer research institutes. We are situated on the Addenbrooke's Biomedical Campus and are part of both the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, and the CRUK Cambridge Centre. 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 Cambridge Institute Genomics Core (CIGC) provides Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) services for CRUK CI as well as the wider University and collaborative laboratories across The Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The CIGC supports translational research by providing variety of bulk DNA/RNA library preps (from multiple suppliers), sequencing service (MiSeq, NextSeq2000, NovaSeqX Plus, ONT PromethION24) and single cell library prep service including but not limited to 10X workflows. We support cell isolation (CellenOne) for downstream single cell genomics applications and currently are expanding spatial single cell platforms offering 10X Visium SD, 10X Visium HD and 10X Xenium.

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 and single cell methods, 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. The CIGC has an established promotional pathway leading from the Research Assistant level to a Senior (Library Prep & Sequencing or Single Cell & Spatial) Specialist.

We seek to hire two Research Assistants, one to support bulk DNA/RNA library prep and sequencing operations and the other to assist with single cell and spatial services.

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. Daily duties will involve RNA / DNA sample quality control, bulk DNA/RNA library preparation using standard kits from different suppliers, single-cell sample receipt and processing, LIMS curation, and sequencing these samples on Illumina and ONT platforms, 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 bulk DNA/RNA and single cells and spatial platforms, for poor and good quality materials.

The post-holder will be expected to work under their own initiative for most of their daily duties and 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.

The ideal applicant will have a degree in biological or biotechnological sciences and be experienced with a diversity of molecular biology techniques including PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA/single cell library preparation, NGS short and long read sequencing. They will be an excellent communicator and team player and bring a positive impact to the Core. They will use their scientific knowledge, expertise and broad practical molecular biology skills to provide a truly excellent genomics service, as well as helping the CIGC to set and maintain an excellent genomics service.

Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for 1 year in the first instance.

This post may require some out of hours working and travel to national seminars/meetings.

Interviews are expected to be held on the 18th and 19th November.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: mailbox-

Please quote reference SW47642 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute

£33,002-£35,608

SW47642

Research

15 October 2025

5 November 2025