Work experience / Cell analysis
Work experience project
Part of the Crick's work experience programme. Learn more about work experience.
A science-based work experience placement which runs from 14 February to 18 February 2022.
Key information
Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that, utilising fluorescence, allows you to analyse large cell populations with a variety of applications.
Typical applications include, but are not limited to: identifying different cell types from a mixed cell population; looking at the number of divisions a cell has undergone upon stimulation; discriminating the cells that are alive from those that are dead in your sample; examining the cell cycle; looking at the DNA content of a cell. With the advancement of technology, we can now do over 40 different parameters using a combination of the above techniques on the samples we are studying.
As the flow cytometry Science Technology Platform (STP) within the Francis Crick Institute, it is our job to maintain the instrumentation and provide technical assistance for all the techniques that can currently be achieved with flow cytometry. We also run a service within the STP looking at the cell cycle and DNA content for samples supplied by the scientists within the Crick.
A work experience student with the STP will gain hands on experience with handling cell lines, staining the cells for DNA analysis and using the Flow Cytometer instruments available. They will be expected to maintain a laboratory note book for the experiments that have been conducted as well as write up and present an experiment to the group.
The ideal student would be interested in general science and working in a laboratory.
It is expected that all students accepted for a placement at the Crick are punctual, responsible, show a willingness to learn, listen to advice and act on feedback. For this placement in particular, the student should also:
- Be proactive
- Be inquisitive
- Be a problem solver
- Have a good attention to detail
