Senior Scientific Associate

At the CRUK Cambridge Institute, we perform world leading science which focuses on positively impacting cancer patients' lives. In the Pre-Clinical Genome Editing team, our mission is to exploit technology, working collaboratively with researchers to enable meaningful advances in understanding and treating cancer. This role marks a strategic shift toward adopting an AI-first approach to profoundly advance the capabilities of genome editing.

As a Senior Scientific Associate, you will lead an AI-first approach to genome editing. This unique role is tailored for a mathematician skilled in using AI Agents and LLMs to address complex, noisy biological data. The role involves intensive training in practical, wet lab genome editing applications, to enable a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes and biology. This knowledge is key to driving the development of innovative technology solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

- CRISPR projects: Collaborate with research groups and other core facilities to deliver high impact projects, incorporating AI to enhance workflows

- CRISPR Functional Genomics: use AI Agents/LLMs to move beyond single perturbation screens and facilitate in vivo screens

- Genome Rewriting: apply AI Agents to develop new strategies for large DNA insertions

Additional Responsibilities:

- Deploy, refine and develop AI-driven methodologies and platforms that have the potential to transform the field of functional genomics

- Gain hands-on lab experience, delivering researcher-driven projects, while integrating AI innovations into practical real-world biological applications.

- Collaborate with the Bioinformatics Core to enhance our CRISPR design tool by integrating external AI agents and public datasets with internal data, streamlining our processes and unlocking new insights.

Training and Development

The candidate will be thoroughly trained in the design and wet lab experimental aspects of genome editing projects. This comprehensive training is designed to equip the candidate with the skills necessary to both deliver end-to-end genome engineering projects, but also to identify opportunities where an AI-first approach would add maximal value.

Minimum Requirements:

A PhD or other relevant qualification

Demonstrable evidence of driving a research project in an autonomous fashion A robust grounding in mathematics and the application of LLMs/AI Agents to biology Proactive, adaptable and enthusiastic about learning new concepts and technologies Works effectively within a team; is a strong, effective communicator.

Candidates may be occasionally required to work outside of normal working hours.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and a security check.

Fixed-term: 2 years. 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

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.