Associate Scientist

Stem Graduates; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life science company in the United Kingdom is seeking an Associate Scientist to join their innovative team focused on gene therapies. As a vital team member, you will support cutting-edge research projects and engage in hands-on laboratory work, requiring a BSc or MSc in a related field. Ideal candidates should possess strong laboratory skills and a passion for scientific exploration. This role offers a unique opportunity to establish your career in scientific research.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, vector cloning, and transfections.
• Strong organizational and independent working skills.
• Passion for scientific research and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide support across the research team in laboratory projects.
• Execute research projects involving sample processing and testing.
• Maintain accurate records to ensure scientific rigour.

Skills

Mammalian tissue culture

Molecular biology techniques

Microbiology

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Education

BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Virology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Biochemistry

Job description

We are working with a leading life science company developing new gene therapies to treat genetic diseases. This focussed and highly motivated team are looking for a highly motivated, self-starter with an interest in molecular biology/virology to join the team as an Associate Scientist. This is a unique opportunity to launch your career in scientific research as part of a highly skilled founding team with skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, virology, immunology, synthetic biology and genetics.

Job Responsibilities:

• This is a hands-on laboratory role, providing support across the research team.
• Support in the execution of cutting‑edge research projects, sample processing, testing and analysing experimental outputs and accurate record keeping to ensure scientific rigour.

Job Requirement:

Required skills and experience include:

• Hold a BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Virology, Biotechnology, Immunology, Biochemistry or similar discipline in the life sciences.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in areas such as mammalian tissue culture, molecular biology, microbiology (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT‑qPCR, vector cloning, transfections).
• A passion for scientific research and innovation.
• Strong team player and is highly self‑motivated, shows initiative, and is adaptable to work across different laboratory experiments/workflows.
• The ability to work independently in an organised, methodical and diligent fashion.
• Strong IT skills (including proficiency with Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and comfortable using shared drives.
• Loves problem‑solving, and driving the team forward towards our goals by always giving their all.

It would be advantageous if you have:

• Experience working with viruses.
• For example virus production, purification and/or titration methods (eg: plaque assay, TCID50, qPCR).
• Knowledge or experience with DNA sequencing.
• Knowledge or experience of flow cytometry.