DNA Purification Scientist

Touchlight; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an experienced Scientist to join its Molecular Biology Team. This role involves amplifying custom DNA constructs and purifying them using advanced techniques in a dynamic environment. You'll optimize growth parameters and develop new processes to ensure high-quality DNA production. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an exciting place to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in genetic medicine. If you're passionate about molecular biology and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Flexible working

Competitive benefits package

Incredible facilities

Qualifications

• MSc in Molecular Biology or similar with experience in DNA purification.
• Strong understanding of bacterial growth optimisation for yield and purity.

Responsibilities

• Amplify custom DNA constructs in E.coli and purify using resin columns.
• Manage several purification projects in a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

DNA purification techniques

Molecular biology

Bacterial cultures

Optimising bacterial growth

Gel electrophoresis

Aseptic technique

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSc in Molecular Biology

Tools

Purification columns

DNA analysis software

Job description

About Us

Do you want to work with a team that is changing science and enabling the next generation of genetic medicines?

The stellar growth in cell and gene therapy has accelerated the need for a better quality, faster and more robust DNA manufacturing technology.

Touchlight has created a new DNA vector for use in advanced genetic medicines that is safer and more efficacious than conventional plasmid DNA. Our unique platform also enables DNA production at unprecedented scale, speed and purity.

We believe that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine and our CDMO has a focus on the following areas:

1. Nucleic acid medicines (mRNA and DNA).
2. Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell and genetic medicines.
3. Gene therapy using viral vectors and gene editing.
4. Autologous and allogenic cell therapy.

Role Overview

Touchlight is currently seeking an experienced Scientist to join its Molecular Biology Team to up-scale and purify high quality DNA starting material for dbDNA. This is an exciting, fast-paced environment suited to initiative-taking individuals, capable of designing and managing their own projects, who can contribute to and successfully work in a multidisciplinary team.

Your principal role will be to amplify custom DNA constructs in E.coli and purify them using various resin based purification columns. A big focus will be on optimising parameters and developing new processes to generate high quality material at various scales, with reproducible results. You will work together in a team of purification scientists and manage several purification projects.

Skills and Experience

1. At least MSc qualification in molecular biology (or similar discipline) with several years of experience in handling bacterial cultures and working on DNA purification techniques
2. A strong understanding of the requirements to optimise bacterial growth for both yield and purity
3. Familiarity with industry quality standards such as cGMP
4. Strong experience with DNA purification techniques at varying scales, using kits and/or self-packed hardware is highly desired
5. Applicants should be well-versed in gel electrophoresis apparatus for DNA analysis and software for sequence analysis
6. Experience in aseptic technique and controlled environments with prevention of cross-contamination
7. Experience working within a Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment is highly advantageous but not essential
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Touchlight Benefits

Touchlight is a successful scale-up business with a record of world-leading innovation and a welcoming, entrepreneurial culture. We make Touchlight an extraordinary place to work by providing our employees with incredible facilities, flexible working and a competitive benefits and remuneration package.

A Place for Everyone

We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Touchlight. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our customers.

If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please speak with the HR team who will be happy to support you.