Associate Scientist, Cell based Screening

Vernalis; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Private healthcare

26 days annual leave

Holiday purchase scheme

Flexitime

Discretionary bonus

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced family leave policies

Job summary

Vernalis Research in Cambridge is seeking an Associate Scientist (FTC) to run cell-based screening and compound profiling assays, interpreting data to guide future experiments.

You will join the Cell Biology, DEL & Target ID team, supporting internal and partnered drug discovery projects with immunofluorescence, high-content imaging and other cell-based assays.

Qualifications

• BSc / MSc in cell biology related discipline.
• 0-2 years’ laboratory experience preferably in a professional drug discovery related setting.
• Experience with cell-based screening assays is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Run cell-based screening assays to determine cellular target engagement and mechanism of action to support our drug discovery projects.
• Analyse data and prepare reports for project teams.
• Maintain accurate and timely scientific data and work records in electronic lab notebooks and databases.
• Present findings to internal teams and external collaborators.

Skills

Immunofluorescence

High-content imaging

Western blotting

Cell culture

Data analysis

Data visualisation

Statistics

Excel

Education

BSc / MSc in cell biology related discipline

0-2 years’ laboratory experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in multiple hit-ID technologies and structure-based drug discovery.

Our scientists develop and apply lead generation and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active compounds and development candidates against targets in multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.

The Role – Job summary

Within this role as an Associate Scientist (FTC), you will run cell-based screening and compound profiling assays to support our ongoing research programs. You will also be responsible for the interpretation of data and decisions on any future experiments and studies.

You will work within our Cell Biology, DEL & Target ID team, where you will be actively involved in internal, and partnered drug discovery projects, applying multiple cell-based assay techniques to support multidisciplinary research activities.

Key responsibilities

• Run cell-based screening assays to determine cellular target engagement and mechanism of action to support our drug discovery projects
• Analyse data and prepare reports for project teams
• Maintain accurate and timely scientific data and work records in electronic lab notebooks and databases
• Present findings to internal teams and external collaborators

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of using a variety of immunodetection techniques, particularly immunofluorescence / high content imaging and western blotting
• Competent in the culturing of a range of mammalian cell lines
• Able to maintain accurate experimental records and databasing of data
• Competent IT user, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience with data analysis, visualisation, and statistical techniques
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Familiar with handling small molecule compound stock solutions and preparing assay plates
• Experience of performing cell-based screening assays, such as proliferation / cytotoxicity using endpoints including nuclei count and/or ATP content

Skills and competencies

• Highly organised and adaptable, with proven experience of successfully working across multiple projects and assays and dealing with tight deadlines and changing priorities
• Excellent communication skills and a confident presenter, with demonstrated ability of explaining data to internal teams and/or external collaborators
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability work effectively with team members having diverse professional backgrounds to achieve shared objectives
• A proactive and innovative approach to scientific research and development

Education & Qualifications

• BSc / MSc in cell biology related discipline
• 0-2 years’ laboratory experience preferably in a professional drug discovery related setting

Why Vernalis?

At Vernalis you will be part of ‘One Team’ working in a friendly and collaborative office.

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies.

If you feel passionate about joining a team where scientific excellence and enthusiasm combine in a friendly and flexible environment to impact drug discovery projects,

Please note that we are unable to support visa sponsorship for this role, so please only apply if you are able to work in the UK for the full duration of the 2 year fixed term contract period.

We are looking for the successful applicant to join our team as soon as possible.

Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.