Molecular Biologist

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering biotechnology startup in the City of London is looking for a Molecular Biologist to lead R&D efforts as its first full-time hire. The role involves optimizing workflows, designing experiments, and collaborating on automation solutions, requiring 5+ years of molecular biology lab experience. The ideal candidate should be adaptable and willing to take ownership as the company grows.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in molecular biology labs.
• Experience in commercial organizations.
• Comfortable with adapting practices while maintaining scientific rigor.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and report on experiments for method optimization.
• Work with automation solutions to demonstrate automated implementation.
• Document SOPs, results, reports, and strategic plans.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Sanger sequencing

Nanopore sequencing

Automation in laboratory

Python

Tools

Opentron

Thermo Fisher

Beckman Coulter

LC/MS

MALDI-TOF

Job description

Overview

Blue Beagle Bio is an early-stage startup developing a novel approach to gene synthesis which will improve turnaround time and eventually cost. We believe gene synthesis is a major bottleneck to biological research, and by alleviating it we are actively supporting the future of the field, improving access for researchers in academia, SMEs and the pharmaceutical industry. With significant customer interest in adopting our service, Blue Beagle Bio is establishing its first commercial implementation for Q1-2026.

We are looking for a molecular biologist to lead this exciting phase in our journey. As our first full-time hire, you will work alongside the CEO and consultants to optimise the existing workflows prior to transfer to automation. Given our current stage, we’re looking for a candidate who can lead future R&D efforts as we grow.

Key Characteristics

• Ideally 5+ years of experience working in molecular biology labs
• Experience in both small and large organisations
• Experience working for commercial organisations
• Comfortable stepping outside of standard practices when needed whilst still maintaining scientific rigour, especially with the goal of conserving resources
• Strong and diverse technical experience
• Eager to apply skills to help grow an early-stage startup
• Can adapt in a fast-changing startup environment
• Willing to take on varied responsibilities as problems arise
• Takes ownership, capable of making sound strategic decisions, can drive tasks through to completion
• Focus on progress over perfection, staying focused when ideal equipment and solutions aren’t immediately available
• Able to prioritise company goals when tradeoffs arise

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and report on experiments for method optimisation
• Work with automation solutions to demonstrate automated implementation
• Communicate, plan strategically and work with consultant partners
• Document SOPs, results, reports and strategic plans
• Assist in software implementations for automation, QC and commercial operations
• Maintain inventory and manage lab space

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques
• Sequencing technologies: in particular, experience operating Sanger and Nanopore sequencing

Desirable Skills

• Automation: experience working with laboratory automation. Ideally on a range of instruments such as Opentron, Thermo Fisher and Beckman Coulter
• Python
• Experience with LC/MS and MALDI-TOF