Research Assistant in Stem Cells (Epigenetics)

We seek a motivated Research Assistant with experience in mammalian cell culture to support and advance the human developmental and stem cell biology research programme within the Rugg-Gunn team at the Babraham Institute.

The research project is aimed at optimising and validating methods to genetically engineer human pluripotent stem cell lines, with the overall goal of providing an efficient process to tag genes of interest with protein epitope and degradation sequences. Genetically-engineered cell lines are important reagents that allow target protein function to be investigated using rapid and inducible degradation systems, in addition to enabling protein interaction and occupancy studies by using epitope tags. This project will build on our existing experience of creating targeted knock-out and knock-in human pluripotent stem cell lines and will compare and optimise different gene editing and protein degradation methods. The resultant modified cell lines will be used to generate stem cell-based embryo models called ‘blastoids’ and ‘gastruloids’, which mimic features of early embryo development. The job holder will also work with team members to produce bioengineered scaffolds that can support the in vitro development of embryo models and of early-stage human embryos that have been generously donated to our research programme. The successful completion of this work will make important collaborative contributions to many of the group’s research projects and will further our understanding of human developmental epigenetics.

The successful candidate will be trained in and will use a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including gene targeting strategies and experimental design, molecular biology (PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, western blot), and advanced tissue culture (maintenance and characterisation of human pluripotent stem cells and other cell lines, cell transfections, genotyping, validating different protein degradation systems). The job holder will develop and optimise methods, perform experiments, keep precise and detailed work records, and present data. Additional responsibilities for this role include supporting the team by preparing shared tissue culture reagents, assisting with lab organisation, overseeing tissue culture stock levels and ordering.

The ideal candidate will have a BSc or MSc in biological sciences. They must be proficient in mammalian cell culture, and prior experience in working with human pluripotent stem cells or with CRISPR-based gene editing methods is highly desirable for this role.

This is a fixed term, full-time appointment with funding for this post expected to be available for a period of up to three years.

Informal enquiries can be addressed to Peter Rugg-Gunn (peter.rugg-gunn@babraham.ac.uk).

The Institute has joined the Technician Commitment initiative, which is a commitment to support the recognition, visibility, sustainability and career development of our research support community, including Research Assistants.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found attached to this vacancy.

For more information on the work of the group, please visit here.

The Babraham Institute welcomes applications from all sections of society.