Researchers Invited to Collaborate with the Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applicants to collaborate with the functional genomics screening laboratory (FGSL) on projects using complex human in vitro models for CRISPR screening to better understand model biology and enable target identification.
The FGSL is a joint venture between MRC, AstraZeneca and the Milner Therapeutics Institute, University of Cambridge. It has been set up to enable UK-based academic groups (and where space allows UK based small medium enterprises and industry) to have access to a state-of-the-art arrayed functional genomics screening laboratory.
All projects will be highly collaborative. Applicants will define the purpose of the screen and the desired outcomes. Screens will be carried out by scientists employed at Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI). However, all screens will be run as collaborations to ensure the best possible outcome and data.
Input from the proposing lead applicant will be key to understand:
- The model.
- The screen of interest.
- Likely endpoint assays.
Applicants must be researchers eligible for MRC funding. Applicants do not need to be funded by MRC to apply. Team applications are permitted.
Applications from UK based industry parties may also be considered.
All screens will be run by scientists employed by MTI and the costs for this are borne by MTI and AstraZeneca.
Financial support for screens (consumables) is available either from AstraZeneca (where the model is of interest to AstraZeneca) or from a screening access fund provided by MRC.
Duration will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will depend on:
- The model.
- Its expansion capacity.
- The size of the proposed screen.
The opportunity is open with no closing date. Applications must be completed online via the Connect: Health Tech at the University of Cambridge portal.
(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)