This is an opportunity to join the most ambitious genomics programme in history as we attempt to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic life in Britain (The Darwin Tree of Life project; see ww.darwintreeoflife.org) and, with our partners in the Earth Biogenome Project, the full biodiversity of life on Earth. The Tree of Life (ToL) programme at the Sanger Institute is working with the Borders Forest Trust (BFT), the University of Edinburgh, NatureScot and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to sample genomic biodiversity across the extensive BFT estate. We intend to sample specimens of approximately 500 species of non-vertebrates, plants, bryophytes and fungi for genome sequencing.
About the Team:
You will be part of the Tree of Life Core Laboratory team at the Sanger Institute, but will be largely based at the Conservation Genetics Laboratory in the University of Edinburgh. You will be supported by colleagues in Sanger and Edinburgh, and by Borders Forest Trust on-site staff.
About the Role:
You will plan and carry out carefully organised field visits throughout the year to the extensive BFT estate, accompanied by experts from the Darwin Tree of Life project and others. You will coordinate sample collection to high standards of recording, and process samples, both on site and in our partner laboratory in the Conservation Genetics Group at the University of Edinburgh, before shipping them to Sanger Institute for genomic sequencing. You will keep meticulous digital records of specimens, and prepare reports for Darwin Tree of Life and BFT partners. As part of the field sampling, you will carry out monthly malaise trapping of flying insects, returning specimens to Sanger for BIOSCAN processing. The post will be split between the Sanger Institute and the University of Edinburgh, and will have the opportunity to develop other collaborative sampling projects (both terrestrial and marine).
About you:
You will be a biological sciences graduate with experience of both ecological fieldwork and molecular ecological or environmental genomics. You will have strong interpersonal skills and will be able to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external. You will have the ability to organise and plan a programme of work, and will be able to problem-solve in order to ensure timely delivery of objectives.
Essential Skills
Technical:
- Degree in biological sciences with relevance to molecular ecology or relevant molecular genetic laboratory experience
- Ability to follow instructions and protocols accurately and efficiently; able to work without supervision
- Computer literacy; experience with careful data recording and validation
- Experience of ecological fieldwork, particularly using molecular approaches
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Proven ability to work effectively within a team
- Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work independently and organise own workload with minimal supervision
- Excellent attention to detail and record keeping
- UK driving licence
- Ability to explain complex matters to non-technical audiences
Technical:
- Graduate qualification in molecular ecology or similar discipline
- Experience in organising and running scientific fieldwork, including understanding of the regulatory environment
- Practical experience working within a molecular genetic laboratory environment.
- Understanding of molecular biology techniques relevant to the role including DNA extraction and DNA barcoding
- Experience using laboratory information management systems and relational databases
- An enthusiasm for the natural world, especially of British ecosystems
- Outdoor leadership and first aid qualifications
- Digital photographic skills
- Own vehicle
Application Process:
Please apply with your CV and Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Closing Date: 14/1/21
About Us
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leading genomics research centre. Our findings are used to improve health and to understand life on Earth.
Our benefits:
There’s an attractive benefits package on offer at the Wellcome Genome Campus. We appreciate the importance of achieving work-life balance and support this with a number of family and carer-friendly policies. Plus a flexible working policy for those who may wish to amend their working pattern or arrangement.
As well as the usual benefits you would expect, we go much further:
- 25 days annual leave (extra 1 day to a maximum of 30 days for every year you work)
- Auto-enrolment into a generous Group Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with enhanced company contribution (for more information, see our Pensions page)
- Up to 2 days annual paid volunteering leave
- Up to 10 days paid Emergency Carers Leave per year
- Family friendly environment including options for flexible and part-time working, an on-site Workplace Nursery salary Sacrifice Schemes for pre-school children and Summer holiday club
- Life Assurance is accessible on day 1 for all
- Group Income Protection Scheme (if on a contract exceeding 12 months)
- Enhanced maternity leave and parental leave
- Access to substantial number of courses and training events onsite
- Private Healthcare Scheme
- Eyecare and Dental payment plans
- Concessions and discounts from our corporate perks site
- Free bus service to and from Campus, covering various routes around Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding villages
- A car-share initiative
- Free parking
- A number of on-site venues where you can meet, eat and socialise with colleagues
- A thriving Sports and Social Club which provides members with subsidised access to a gym, tennis courts, sports hall, fitness classes and a vibrant social calendar of events
