Associate Researcher

Northreach; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life science recruitment partner is seeking a Research Associate to join a biotech client's R&D team in Oxford, UK. This full-time position offers a chance to develop next-generation CAR-T cell therapies. Candidates should have a BSc with 2-5 years or MSc with 1-3 years in immunology, strong technical skills in cell culture, immunological assays, and proficiency in data analysis tools. If you're enthusiastic and collaborative, this is a great opportunity to contribute to innovative therapies.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience for BSc or 1-3 years for MSc in relevant field.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and immunological assays.
• Proficient in flow cytometry and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform and optimize functional assays to assess CAR‑T cell activity.
• Culture and expand primary human T cells using aseptic techniques.
• Support development and validation of immunophenotyping panels.
• Assist in high‑throughput screening of CAR constructs.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in electronic lab notebooks.
• Analyze and present results to cross‑functional teams.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers across R&D.
• Contribute to reagent preparation and equipment maintenance.
• Provide mentorship to junior team members as needed.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Immunological assays

Flow cytometry

Data analysis tools

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

BSc or MSc in immunology, cell biology, or related field

Tools

FlowJo

Prism

Job description

About the Job

Northreach is a specialist life science recruitment partner, connecting pioneering biotech and biopharma companies with exceptional scientific talent. We partner with businesses that are shaping the future of medicine and empower candidates to take the next step in their scientific careers.

One of our innovative biotech clients is seeking a Research Associate to join their growing R&D team in Oxford, UK. This full-time, permanent position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of next‑generation CAR‑T cell therapies designed to tackle solid tumours and other high‑value oncology indications.

Key Responsibilities

• In Vitro Assays: Perform and optimize functional assays (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, proliferation) to assess CAR‑T cell activity.
• Cell Culture: Culture and expand primary human T cells using aseptic techniques.
• Flow Cytometry: Support development and validation of panels for immunophenotyping.
• Screening: Assist in high‑throughput screening of CAR constructs for potency and specificity.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in electronic lab notebooks.
• Data Analysis: Analyze and present results to cross‑functional teams.
• Collaboration: Work closely with scientists and engineers across R&D and translational teams.
• Lab Operations: Contribute to reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and SOP development.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and training to junior team members as needed.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: BSc with 2–5 years or MSc with 1–3 years of relevant industry experience in immunology, cell biology, or related field.
• Technical Skills: Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and immunological assays.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry and data analysis tools (e.g., FlowJo, Prism).
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational and communication abilities.
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in a start‑up environment.