DNA Scientist

Taylorollinson; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company based in Cambridge seeks a Scientist specializing in DNA and Biochemistry. You will join their process development team, focusing on optimizing DNA synthesis and molecular biology techniques. Ideal candidates hold a BSc/MSc in relevant fields and possess at least 1 year of laboratory experience. This full-time role offers a competitive salary, career progression, and a benefits package including a private pension.

Benefits

Private pension

Progression options

Qualifications

• 1+ year of laboratory experience in academia or industry.
• Proven experience in designing experiments and planning schedules.
• Experience in DNA handling and molecular techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support process development and tech transfer functions.
• Validate and optimise molecular biology experiments.
• Record scientific data and present to internal teams.

Skills

Molecular biology

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

BSc in Biology or Biochemistry

MSc in Biology or Biochemistry

Tools

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

DNA quantification

Tangential flow filtration (TFF)

AKTA systems

Job description

Scientist - DNA and Biochemistry

Location: Cambridge

Contract: Full-time and permanent

Sector: Biotechnology

Salary: 28,000 - 35,000 depending on experience and interview performance

Work Hours: 40 hrs a week, Monday to Friday (09:00 - 17:30)

Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA which provides exciting possibilities for ensuring cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs than traditional plasmid-based methods. They work with external partners to develop gene therapy projects and have some internal projects too. Additionally they have AAV and Lipid-nanoparticle technology platforms in-house. In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to bring a DNA Scientist to their process development team on a full-time and permanent basis.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity suitable for a BSc / MSc holder in a Biological discipline, alongside additional laboratory experience (either in industry or academia). As a DNA Scientist, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the process development and tech transfer functions with synthetic DNA projects.
• Validating and optimising various molecular biology and biochemistry experiments to enable efficient product development and transfer to manufacturing. This may include: DNA handling, PCR, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, TFF, AKTA purification (ion exchange, affinity chromatography, size exclusion etc), DNA quantification (nanodrop / Qubit) etc.
• Optimise and improve processes within the DNA team, working alongside other teams including R&D and manufacturing.
• Record scientific data in accordance with company policy and presenting data to internal teams.
• Attending company / team meetings.

Skills and Experience Needed

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• BSc / MSc in Biology / Biochemistry and an additional 1+ year of laboratory experience gained in academia or industry (essential, equivalent experience okay)
• Must have proven experience in designing experiments and planning experiment schedules (essential)
• Prior experience in DNA and molecular biology, with experience in some of the following techniques: micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification (Spectrophotometry / Qubit / nanodrop), PCR, cloning, primer design (essential)
• Prior experience in one of more of the following: Tangential flow filtration (TFF), capillary electrophoresis or AKTA systems (SEC, IEX, affinity) (desired)
• Excellent attention to detail. (essential)
• Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential)
• Experience working in an industrial biological laboratory (desired)
• Right to work in the UK without need for future visa sponsorship (essential)

The Package

As an up-and-coming Cambridge Biotech, our client is able to offer a competitive salary, progression options and benefits package including private pension.