Molecular Biologist

Touchlight; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Touchlight, a dynamic biotech company in London, is seeking an experienced Scientist to join their Molecular Biology Team. The successful candidate will be involved in genetically engineering plasmid DNA and will work in a fast-paced environment focused on innovation in genetic medicines. A competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Competitive benefits and remuneration package

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Molecular Biology or equivalent required.
• Practical experience in cloning DNA and PCR essential.
• Experience with DNA purification at varying scales desired.

Responsibilities

• Genetically engineer plasmid DNA starting material creatively following client needs.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of DNA research.

Skills

Cloning DNA

PCR

DNA purification techniques

Gel electrophoresis

Aseptic technique

Sequence analysis

Education

MSc degree in Molecular Biology

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:

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

Role Overview:

Touchlight is currently seeking an experienced Scientist to join our Molecular Biology Team to genetically engineer the DNA starting material for dbDNA.

This is an exciting, fast-paced environment suited to initiative-taking individuals who can contribute to and successfully work in a multidisciplinary team. In addition to working at the forefront of DNA research in a dynamic biotech company, the successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and be eligible to join the company pension scheme.

Your principal role will be to genetically engineer plasmid DNA starting material using creative and effective strategies that sits in line with clients’ needs but also allowing the best attributes of the downstream process to be harnessed.

Skills and Experience:

• MSc degree in Molecular Biology or equivalent
• Practical experience in cloning DNA, including generating own strategies, creating theoretical sequence maps, primer design, PCR, bacterial transformation, and amplification
• Strong experience with DNA purification techniques at varying scales, using kits and/ or self-packed hardware is highly desired
• Applicants should be well-versed in gel electrophoresis apparatus for DNA analysis and software for sequence analysis
• Knowledge of running restriction digests, agarose gels and analyzing data is required
• Experience in aseptic technique and controlled environments
• Familiarity with industry quality standards, such as ISO / cGMP is desirable. Experience working within a Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environment is highly advantageous.

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.