Staff Scientist

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.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Staff Scientist to join the Bacterial Genomics and Evolution Faculty Group led by Nick Thomson within the renowned Parasites and Microbes Programme (PaM) at the world-leading Wellcome Sanger Institute on a Maternity Cover 12-month fixed-term contract.

About the Role:

Current work taking place within the team spans both CL2 and CL3 laboratories to understand basic science and translational challenges that are important for human health.

You will conduct varied experimental and technical procedures, including but not limited to advanced microscopy, molecular assays, and the extraction of nucleic acids for downstream manipulation and sequencing.

We function in a collaborative environment, where you will need excellent teamwork, organisational and communication skills. You will use these skills to train junior staff, as well as working closely with other members of the programme to deliver projects successfully.

• Apply knowledge and skills to support the modification and refinement of SOPs as part of process optimisation and adaptation, with particular emphasis on molecular biology and microbiological techniques.
  
• Ensure risk assessments for all biological, chemical and physical risks are in place before development work is started. These are to be kept up to date as work progresses.
  
• Promote a culture of continuous process improvement, open communication, creativity and positivity. Role model a collaborative environment by actively participating in meetings and freely sharing results and ideas.
  

About You:

To excel in this role, you will have a broad scientific knowledge of molecular biology, microbiology and infection model research. You will take ownership of- and responsibility for- driving these projects towards completion and publication post-peer-review.

You will have a diverse range of research experience and technical skills in experimental molecular biology and biochemistry. You will be an experienced research scientist with a demonstrable ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Essential Technical Skills:

• PhD in biological sciences or equivalent relevant laboratory/research experience
  
• High proficiency with molecular biology techniques including RNA/DNA extraction, protein expression and purification, RT-PCR, qPCR
  
• Familiarity with the Human Tissue Act, and other legislation relevant to the use of biological samples, DNA, and tissue in research
  
• Experience of writing scientific publications
  

Essential Competencies and Behaviours:

• Ability to work effectively, both independently and within a team, contributing to discussions and disseminating knowledge and information
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate and build lasting relationships.
  
• Resilient and self-motivated to take learnings from unsuccessful experiments
  
• Meticulous attention to detail
  
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
  
• Good problem-solving skills
  
• Experienced in planning experiments and research, and in setting strategic goals
  

About Us

The PaM Programme is a globally influential programme working on a mission to advance our understanding of the critical role microbes play in human health and disease. Through this, we will transform the infectious disease and microbiome fields, and global health outcomes.

Application Process:

Please apply with your CV and a Cover letter outlining how you meet the essential skills and experience set out above, why you want to apply to this role and what value/experience you can bring.

Internal Applications:

Secondment opportunities will be considered for this fixed-term position and prior approval from existing managers should be sought in advance of your application.

Other Information:

Salary range: £44,890 - £63,000 (dependant on skills and experience)

Contract Type: 12 month Maternity Contract

Closing Date: 8th December 2024

Timelines: Shortlisting w/c 9th December, Interviews w/c 16th or 17th December

Role Profile: Staff Scientist Grade 2

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.