Associate Scientist - Target Discovery

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biotech team is seeking an Associate Scientist passionate about target discovery and experienced in CHO cell culture and CRISPR gene-editing. In this pivotal role, you will design and execute experiments, run CRISPR knockout screens, and apply various molecular biology assays. You'll operate cutting-edge technologies like the BD FACSAria Fusion Flow Cytometer, support cell line development, and contribute to breakthrough biologics research. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic and collaborative lab environment. If you're ready to advance your career in biotech, this role is for you!

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in biotech or pharma with a focus on CHO cells.
• Skilled in CRISPR techniques and FACS-based sorting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute CHO cell culture experiments and CRISPR knockout screens.
• Write SOPs and maintain lab documentation while ensuring safety standards.

Skills

CHO cell culture

CRISPR gene-editing

molecular biology assays

scientific communication

experimental planning

Education

BSc/MSc in Biotechnology

PhD in Biotechnology

Tools

BD FACSAria Fusion Flow Cytometer

Beacon

Ambr15

Job description

Job Description

Associate Scientist – Target Discovery | Biotech | CHO Cell Lines | CRISPR

Location: Oxford

Salary: £34k - £37k + benefits

We’re hiring an Associate Scientist to join an innovative biotech team focused on advancing mammalian cell line development. If you're experienced in CHO cell culture and CRISPR gene-editing, and you're passionate about target discovery, this could be your next move.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Designing and executing CHO cell culture experiments using small-scale and high-throughput models
2. Running CRISPR knockout screens and transfections for gene editing
3. Applying molecular and cell biology assays (qRT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA)
4. Operating the BD FACSAria Fusion Flow Cytometer for single cell cloning and analysis
5. Supporting cell line development using technologies like Beacon and Ambr15
6. Writing SOPs, maintaining lab documentation, and training junior scientists
7. Ensuring lab safety standards and participating in out-of-hours cell culture as needed

What we’re looking for:

1. BSc/MSc with 3+ years or PhD with 1+ years in a biotech or pharma environment
2. Strong experience with CHO suspension cells, single-cell workflows, and genotyping
3. Skilled in CRISPR/Cas9 techniques and FACS-based cell sorting
4. Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced lab
5. Experienced in experimental planning, troubleshooting, and scientific communication

Nice to have:

1. Familiarity with Beacon, Ambr15, or 96-well high-throughput models
2. Experience working safely with lentiviral plasmid systems in a CAT2 environment
3. Understanding of monoclonal antibody production and critical quality attributes (CQA)

Looking to play a key role in breakthrough biologics research? Apply now.