Research Associate

Wild Bioscience Ltd; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group life cover

Pension 5% Company contribution

Private medical insurance

Maternity/paternity leave

Company socials

Refreshments

Team meals

Training & development

Flexible working

Cutting-edge science exposure

Job summary

Wild Bio seeks a motivated Research Associate to run and improve our cloning pipeline, from in silico design through assembly, transformation and quality control to sequence-verified plasmids. You will also manage the gene synthesis process and contribute to genome editing construct design.

The role requires a BSc/MSc in biology or equivalent experience, plus hands-on molecular biology with cloning workflows.

Qualifications

• A BSc/MSc degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field or equivalent work experience.
• At least one year in a molecular biology lab covering full cloning workflow and sequence verification.
• Understanding of common cloning methods (Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, Gateway).
• Ability to perform routine molecular biology calculations and data recording.
• Strong attention to detail and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Deliver cloning projects end to end from design to sequence-verified plasmids.
• Manage gene synthesis pipeline from orders to verification.
• Carry out core molecular biology tasks including DNA/RNA prep and extractions.
• Collect and analyse data, maintain records in databases.
• Collaborate across teams and assist SOP writing and review.
• Contribute to genome editing construct design with genome editing scientists.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cloning workflow

Primer design

PCR

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

BSc/MSc in biology or related field

Tools

Golden Gate

Gibson Assembly

Gateway cloning

Job description

At Wild Bio we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Wild plants have had half a billion years to evolve natural solutions for thriving in almost every environment on Earth. Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses these wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops. Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies. If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on.

Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. We are about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven and curious Technician or Research Associate to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in.

Our Values

Our work is guided by three core values that define who we are and how we approach our mission:

• Curiosity: We fuel our desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation. We ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
• Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion. As part of a global community, we nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
• Courage: We face challenges head‑on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Our bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.

If these values resonate with you, we invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.

The Role

We are looking for a motivated Research Associate with a strong background in molecular biology to help run and improve our cloning pipeline. You'll play a key role in taking constructs from in silico design through assembly, transformation and quality control to sequence-verified plasmids, and manage our gene synthesis pipeline.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who takes care over precise and organised bench work, enjoys working across teams, and is keen to question established approaches to make our systems better.

Job requirements:

• A BSc/MSc degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific field, or evidence of equivalent work experience.
• At least one year’s experience in a molecular biology lab, covering the full cloning workflow: experimental planning, in silico cloning, primer design and PCR, bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation and quality control, including sequence verification.
• A good understanding of the theory behind common cloning methods (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, or Gateway).
• Confidence with routine molecular biology calculations (e.g., buffer molarity, dilutions and DNA/RNA concentrations).
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of care when following SOPs and recording data.
• The ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment, building relationships and gaining trust through honesty, compassion, and authenticity.
• A curious and courageous mindset: someone who enjoys trying new things and taking initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• A desire to develop your skills, share your knowledge, and support the growth of your teammates.

Job responsibilities:

As part of our Trait Implementation team, you’ll keep our construct pipeline running smoothly.

You will:

• Deliver cloning projects end to end, from in silico design and primer design through assembly, transformation and quality control to sequence-verified plasmids.
• Manage our gene synthesis pipeline, from designing and placing orders to tracking and verifying what comes back.
• Carry out core molecular biology tasks, including buffer and plasmid preparation and DNA/RNA extraction.
• Collect, organise and analyse experimental results, and maintain accurate records in our databases.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, help troubleshoot experiments, and write and review standard operating procedures.
• As the role develops, contribute to the design of our genome editing constructs, including sgRNA design, working closely with our genome editing scientists.
• Group life cover x 4 of base salary
• Critical illness cover x 4 of base salary
• Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution
• Private medical insurance including dental and optical
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Regular company socials
• Complimentary refreshments throughout the week
• Team meals including breakfast on a Monday and lunch each Friday, creating opportunities for informal networking and team bonding
• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working opportunities
• Opportunity to work with cutting edge science

Location

We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire. This is an on-site role, though we offer flexibility and hybrid working when possible.

The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.