Collaborate with the functional genomics screening laboratory

The Functional Genomics Screening Laboratory (FGSL) at the Milner Therapeutics Institute (MTI), University of Cambridge, supported by the Medical Research Council with co-funders AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge, runs arrayed CRISPR screens in collaboration with researchers who use complex human in vitro models, to better understand model biology and enable target identification. Applicants define the purpose and desired outcomes of the screen, and MTI scientists carry out every screen as a collaboration. CRISPR library access is provided through a collaboration between AstraZeneca and MTI; screens can in principle cover the whole protein-coding genome (about 19,000 genes), although most complex in vitro models only scale to subset libraries built from a gene list of interest. The FGSL prioritises genetically tractable, scalable human in vitro models outside cancer cell lines. Screening staff costs are borne by MTI and AstraZeneca, and consumables are supported by AstraZeneca (for models of interest to it) or by an MRC screening access fund. Project duration is decided case by case according to the model, its expansion capacity and the screen size.

Researchers eligible for MRC funding; MRC funding is not required and team applications are permitted. Where space permits, UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises and industry parties are also considered. Applications use the Connect: Health Tech form at the University of Cambridge and describe the in vitro model, the desired screen and the endpoint assay.