About the Role:We are seeking to recruit an Advanced Research Assistant on a 2 year fixed term contract to work within the Stratton Research team, part of the Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation Programme. Our team uses DNA sequencing for somatic mutations to advance understanding of the causes of cancer. You will support an exciting variety of research projects and work in a skilled team to contribute to our programme objectives: to identify new cancer genes and mutational processes.You will be responsible for:Working alongside other Research Assistants, PhD students and Postdoctoral Fellows, you will be responsible for a variety of lab-based techniques, including: Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM), sample staining, slide scanning and DNA extraction. You will also have administrative ownership of tracking samples through laboratory processes and opportunity to support senior stakeholders in interactions with scientific and medical collaborators, funding bodies and other Sanger operational groups. Development in this area of research management will be supported with training and provides progression opportunities for candidates with laboratory experience and desire for new challenges.About You:As an Advanced Research Assistant, you will have demonstrable laboratory skills and a background in roles that have required effective communication, organisational skills and collaboration. We are looking for someone with experience in the specialist technique of laser capture microdissection, but this is not essential as training will be given. You should have a science background and an interest in cancer research and/or histopathology. You should enjoy working as part of a team and with strong attention to detail which is required for accurate dissection using the laser and recording data.About Us:You will be joining Mike Strattons research team which consists of around 10 members. We are part of the Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation programme at the Sanger Institute (~100 individuals). Our team is composed of PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, a clinical fellow and permanent members of staff including cancer biologists, bioinformaticians and project management support.We currently have two major areas of work:Large-scale sequencing of normal and cancer cell genomes to investigate international differences in common mutagenic exposures that may influence cancer incidence.Sequencing of normal cell genomes to understand patterns of somatic evolution.Mike Stratton is also Team Lead of the Cancer Grand Challenge project, Mutographs.Essential Skills:Technical Skills:Degree in a relevant subject or significant practical experience of histology and histological techniquesExperience or demonstrable interest in cancer researchExperience working in a laboratory and following protocolsExcellent attention to detail and ability to keep good electronic and written recordsTheoretical understanding of molecular biology techniques e.g. nucleic acid isolation and purification, and PCRGood computer skills with experience of standard office software (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Competencies and BehavioursAbility to work both as part of a team and independently once appropriate training and guidance have been providedCapable of working to a schedule, and delivering a variety of tasks simultaneously to agreed deadlines and standardsAble to take instruction, and work to guidelines and SOPs, with appropriate use of initiative when necessaryExcellent communication skills (both written and oral) to allow accurate exchange of informationPlease use to below link for the job application.https://lifelancer.com/jobs/view/65601ca30bca12c6690dc0601aa51499