Research Associate

Nuclera; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Nuclera, a leading biotech firm in Cambridge, seeks a lab-based professional to enhance their protein discovery technology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, experience in protein expression, and excellent teamwork skills. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support customer projects and product development. A competitive salary and extensive benefits will be offered, including a company bonus scheme and professional development investments.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme of 5%

Share option incentive scheme

Life insurance

Private medical insurance and cash plan

25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays

Enhanced employer's pension contributions

Enhanced maternity and paternity Leave

Investment in professional development and learning

Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office

Organised summer events for staff

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ industry experience for BS candidates, 1 year for MSc.
• Experience with PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, affinity purification.
• Self-motivated with an interest in Nuclera’s technology.

Responsibilities

• Execute and analyze protein activity assays on the eProtein Discovery System.
• Design and troubleshoot experiments with guidance.
• Engage in scientific discussions to enhance product development.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Protein expression and purification techniques

Communication skills

Problem solving capabilities

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MSc in protein biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology or related area

Job description

Description

Nuclera is a venture-backed biotech company headquartered in Cambridge, UK with significant operations in Boston, USA. Nuclera’s mission is to accelerate discovery by enabling rapid, easy access to functional proteins essential for drug discovery research. Our eProtein Discovery benchtop system accelerates protein expression and purification optimization in research labs.

This is a lab-based role within a group central to Nuclera’s technology development program that will be conducted in close collaboration with colleagues from other groups in the company. A key aspect of this role will be to contribute to the customer collaborations and marketing collateral through demonstration of new capabilities of our platform.

The role would suit a candidate with excellent communication and organization skills, with a drive for working in a fast-paced biotech environment and a track record of execution and teamwork. Experience in molecular biology, protein expression and characterisation is essential.

This role will be based in the Cambridge, UK site and is on-site in the lab with some flexibility for home working (up to 1 day per week).

About the role

• Follow SOPs to independently execute and analyze experiments on the eProtein Discovery System to contribute to customer collaborations.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot protein activity assays with guidance from senior members of the group.
• Work on multiple protein projects in parallel.
• Actively engage in scientific discussion within the group and across groups to contribute to robust product development.
• Report results in a timely manner and maintain good laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

Essential:

• BS/MSc in protein biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related area, with 2-4 years’ (for BS) and 1 years’ (for MSc) industry experience
• Track record of delivering robust data and high-quality results within tight timelines
• Experience with common molecular biology techniques, including PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis
• Experience with common protein expression and purification techniques, including affinity purification, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, protein quantification
• A collaborative team player with a positive can-do attitude
• Strong problem solving capabilities, clear communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated interest in Nuclera’s technology.

Desirable:

• Previous working experience in the pharmaceutical, CRO, and/or biotechnology industry would be advantageous.
• Understanding the principles of cell-free protein synthesis technologies
• Experience in protein engineering and structure-guided design of protein variants for stability, activity, or yield.
• Some knowledge of protein assays, characterisation and functional properties (e.g. solubility, aggregation properties, activity)

UK Benefits

What we offer:

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Company bonus scheme of 5%
• Share option incentive scheme
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance and cash plan
• 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Enhanced employer's pension contributions
• Enhanced maternity and paternity Leave
• Investment in professional development and learning
• Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks in the office
• Organised summer events for staff