Principal Biologist in Oxford

Energy Jobline ZR; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech startup in Oxford is seeking a Principal Biologist to lead pre-clinical assay development. Candidates should have a PhD in Biology or related field, with expertise in genetic therapy and a proven track record in scientific leadership. The role involves significant lab time, developing gene and protein assays, and driving scientific projects forward. Competitive salary of £70,000 - £78,000 with benefits including 25 days holiday and a target bonus offered.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Life assurance

Sponsorship for international talent

Qualifications

• Significant industry experience in genetic therapy.
• Experience with patient-derived or iPSC derived neuronal models.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development in pre-clinical programs.
• Develop high-throughput screening to drive programs.
• Design gene and protein expression assays.

Skills

Expertise in genetic therapy development

PhD in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience

Experience with ASOs

Scientific writing or publishing experience

Track record of scientific leadership

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

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We focus on the Oil & Gas, Renewables, Engineering, Power, and Nuclear markets as well as emerging technologies in EV, Battery, and Fusion. We are committed to ensuring that we offer the most exciting career opportunities from around the world for our jobseekers.

Job Description

My client is an Oxford based biotech start‑up exploring novel approaches to oligonucleotide drug development. Their gene therapy research stems from the University of Oxford ecosystem and the supporting VCs are excited by their progress.

As a Principal Biologist, you will join a team of 6 multidisciplinary scientists. You will support the founder by providing complementary scientific expertise. From Day 1, you will be taking ownership of assay development in pre‑clinical programs. You’ll also help foster a culture of scientific excellence as they look towards unlocking further funding milestones in 2026.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

This role is 70% lab‑focused and full time on site in Oxford. While you’ll wear many hats here, here’s an idea of what your day‑to‑day will look like:

• Leading the development of HTS to help drive programs forward
• Assessing protein expression, target engagement and efficacy
• Spearheading direction of experimentation and projects
• Designing gene and protein expression assays and therapeutic efficacy assays
• Collaborating with leadership, bioinformatics and external partners
• Performing gene expression profiling, splicing analysis and the use of transcriptomic data to inform therapeutic development

Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, etc., with significant industry experience
• Expertise in genetic therapy development (neurological / neuromuscular disorders)
• Experience with ASOs including design, optimisation and characterisation
• Prior experience working with patient‑derived or iPSC derived neuronal models
• Experience in scientific writing or publishing research
• A proven track record of scientific leadership in an industry setting

Salary & Benefits

This is a Principal Scientist permanent hire and the salary range is £70,000 - £78,000 + target bonus, 25 days holiday and life assurance. Sponsorship is offered for international talent.

Interview Process

The interview process will be an informal video call with the CEO and founder, followed by a formal invitation to a site interview. On‑site interview will involve presentation and technical 1‑2‑1s. Final decision will be made 5 days after this.

Contact

Atomic Talent is the agency handling this position, and we are happy to speak about this opportunity in the first instance via email [e-mail] or here on LinkedIn. We respond to everyone, so please apply even if you feel that you only hit 70% of the requirements.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.