Molecular Biologist

Nuclera; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech company in Cambridge is seeking a lab-based candidate to support the development of their protein discovery technologies. The ideal individual will possess an MSc or PhD in a relevant field and have extensive experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and gene expression. A collaborative spirit and strong problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this fast-paced environment. This position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits including a bonus scheme and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Annual leave and Bank Holidays

Enhanced pension contributions

Investment in professional development

Organised summer events

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of relevant industry experience for MSc graduates, or at least 1 year for PhD holders.
• Solid understanding of recombinant DNA technology.
• Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques including gene cloning.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot PCR and DNA assembly.
• Actively engage in scientific discussions to contribute to product development.
• Follow SOPs to execute and analyze experiments independently.

Skills

Molecular Biology techniques

PCR

Problem solving

Clear communication

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

DNA analysis software (SnapGene/Benchling/Vector NTI)

Job description

Description

Nuclera is a venture-backed biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Boston, USA. Nuclera’s mission is to accelerate discovery by enabling rapid, easy access to functional proteins essential for drug discovery research. Our eProtein Discovery™ benchtop system accelerates protein expression and purification optimization in research labs.

This is a lab-based role within a group central to Nuclera’s technology development program that will be conducted in close collaboration with colleagues from other groups in the company. A key aspect of this role will be to support development and optimization of new capabilities of our platform.

The role would suit a candidate with excellent communication and organization skills, with a drive for working in a fast-paced biotech environment and a track record of execution and teamwork. Experience in molecular biology, protein expression and characterisation is essential.

This role will be based in the Cambridge, UK site and is on-site in the lab.

About the role

• Design, execute, and troubleshoot PCR, DNA assembly and protein expression with guidance from senior members of the group.
• Able to work on multiple projects in parallel.
• Actively engage in scientific discussion within the group and across groups to contribute to robust product development.
• Follow SOPs to independently execute and analyze experiments
• Report results in a timely manner and maintain good laboratory practices.

Requirements

Essential:

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field,
• 2–4 years of relevant industry experience for MSc graduates, or at least 1 year of industry experience for PhD holders.
• Track record of delivering robust data and high-quality results within tight timelines
• Solid understanding of recombinant DNA technology and extensive experience with gene expression in prokaryotic systems
• Experience with common molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA assembly using PCR and Gibson assembly, gene cloning and agarose gel electrophoresis
• Extensive experience of nucleic acid manipulation (DNA and RNA) for assay and application development (e.g. NGS library prep, NGS application development, synthetic biology applications or expression construct design)
• Proficiency with DNA analysis software such as SnapGene/Benchling/Vector NTI.
• Experience with common protein expression and purification techniques, including affinity purification, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, protein quantification
• A collaborative team player with a positive can-do attitude
• Strong problem solving capabilities, clear communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated interest in Nuclera’s technology.

Desirable

• Previous working experience in the pharmaceutical, CRO, and/or biotechnology industry would be advantageous.
• Understanding the principles of cell-free protein synthesis technologies
• Expression and purification of antibodies in E.coli/mammalian cells.
• Some knowledge of protein assays, characterisation and functional properties (e.g. solubility, aggregation properties, activity)

UK Benefits

What we offer:

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Company bonus scheme of 5%
• Share option incentive scheme
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance and cash plan
• 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Enhanced employer's pension contributions
• Enhanced maternity and paternity Leave
• Investment in professional development and learning
• Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office
• Organised summer events for staff