Molecular Biologist - 12 Month FTC

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Molecular Biologist role in Guildford, Surrey is a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover, laboratory-based, full-time position within Cranleigh STEM's biotechnology partner. You will design and conduct experiments to support gene delivery and expression studies, working closely with senior scientists.

You will perform RT-qPCR and gene expression analyses, develop and optimise protocols, and contribute to data interpretation and reporting while maintaining meticulous records.

Qualifications

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or related life science discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience and viability assays (MTT/PrestoBlue).
• Proven experience with RT-qPCR and gene expression analysis, including data interpretation.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction and nucleic acid quantification, gel electrophoresis, cell transfection and fluorescence-based assays.
• Familiarity with light and fluorescence microscopy.
• Strong data presentation skills using Excel and GraphPad Prism.
• Methodical approach, attention to detail, ability to learn new protocols quickly and work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and validate molecular and cellular experiments.
• Investigate gene knockdown and expression using nucleic acid delivery technologies.
• Evaluate outcomes from in vitro and in vivo gene therapy research.
• Develop and optimise laboratory protocols, including stability testing.
• Analyse and present experimental data, maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Manage competing project priorities and collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

RT-qPCR

Gene expression analysis

DNA/RNA extraction

Nucleic acid quantification

Gel electrophoresis

Cell transfection

Fluorescence-based assays

Data interpretation

Education

MSc in Molecular Biology

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Job description

Molecular Biologist - 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover)

Guildford, Surrey - Laboratory-based

Full-time | 37.5 hours per week

Are you a hands-on Molecular Biologist looking to apply your expertise to the development of gene therapies?

Cranleigh STEM is partnering with an innovative biotechnology company developing delivery technologies for nucleic acids and RNA-based therapeutics. We’re recruiting a Molecular Biologist to join its R&D team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract.

Working closely with senior scientists, you’ll design and conduct experiments, interpret results and contribute to an established research programme exploring gene delivery and expression.

The role:

• Design, execute and validate molecular and cellular experiments.
• Investigate gene knockdown and expression using nucleic acid delivery technologies.
• Evaluate outcomes from in vitro and in vivo gene therapy research.
• Develop and optimise laboratory protocols, including stability testing.
• Analyse and present experimental data, maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Manage competing project priorities and collaborate with a multidisciplinary R&D team.

What we’re looking for:

• An MSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or a related life science discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A strong understanding of genetic engineering and gene therapy processes.
• Proven hands‑on mammalian cell culture experience, including cell viability assays such as MTT or PrestoBlue.
• Practical experience in RT-qPCR and gene expression analysis, including data interpretation.
• Experience with DNA/RNA extraction, nucleic acid quantification, gel electrophoresis, cell transfection and fluorescence‑based assays.
• Familiarity with light and fluorescence microscopy.
• Confidence analysing and presenting data using Excel and GraphPad Prism.
• A methodical approach, strong attention to detail and the ability to learn new protocols quickly and work with minimal supervision.

A PhD or relevant Master's research thesis, alongside biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, would be advantageous.

What’s on offer:

28 days’ annual leave plus public holidays, pro rata.

The opportunity to contribute to innovative therapeutic research.

A permanent position may be considered at the end of the contract, depending on business needs and performance.