Research Associate

Constructive Bio; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology startup in Cambridge seeks a passionate Research Associate to advance innovative research in molecular biology. The role involves developing a proprietary tRNA display platform alongside a collaborative team, contributing to advancements in sustainable materials and therapeutics. An ideal candidate will have a strong background in relevant scientific disciplines and a commitment to learning wet-lab techniques in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employee share option plan

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private health insurance

Pension plan (matching up to 8%)

On-site parking

Collaborative and pioneering environment

Qualifications

• Wet-lab experience in Molecular Biology techniques is essential.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative work ethic are critical.
• Desire to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment is important.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, and library generation.
• Execute tRNA display campaigns and contribute to collaborative research projects.
• Maintain detailed documentation and contribute to group discussions.

Skills

Molecular Biology techniques

Laboratory Skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

BSc/MSc in Biology/Biochemistry/Bioengineering/Cell Biology

Job description

Who we are:

Life, Reimagined

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our unique technology turns living cells into biofactories, creating sustainable new materials and therapeutics. With full control of the genetic sequence and code, we are exploring chemical space previously unreached by natural biology.

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here:

https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ccsb/jason-chin/

We recently secured $58 million Series A fundraising. Read more here: https://www.constructive.bio/blog/news/constructive-bio-secures-58-million-in-series-a-financing

What we’re looking for:

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our R&D team. The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology and a strong desire to learn new wet-lab techniques and contribute to the team culture. This role will be based within the Engineering Translation team and will primarily focus on developing our proprietary tRNA display platform.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/constructive-bio_what-is-trna-display-and-how-does-it-work

Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of molecular biology techniques such as preparation of competent cells, PCR, cloning and transformations, colony/plasmid sequence verification, library generation and transformations, preparation of libraries for NGS.
• Execute tRNA display campaigns for incorporation of high value ncAA’s. This is a multi-step protocol that involves both routine and non-standard molecular biology techniques such as bio-mREX.
• Collaborate with the Engineered Translation team and our Automation Scientist to execute HTP protocols using automation.
• Support different projects as needed and learn a variety of different skills that could include,
• as an example, preparation of samples for LC-MS analysis or microplate GFP assays.
• Troubleshoot and optimise experiments.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all work in line with Constructive Bio’s lab book standards.
• Contribute to group discussions in Engineered Translation and Science meetings.

Requirements:

• BSc/MSc in relevant scientific discipline (Biology/ Biochemistry/ Bioengineering/ Cell Biology etc.).
• Wet-lab experience in Molecular Biology techniques.
• Strong work ethic and keen interest in learning new bench skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Attention to detail, organisational skills, and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable skills:

• Familiarity with principles of protein engineering, synthetic biology
• or engineering incorporation of ncAA’s
• Prior research experience working in an industry/start-up setting.
• Interest in using automation for running HTP workflows.

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?

We are a small but rapidly growing team, with a vision to become the programmable biomolecules company and push the boundaries of what’s possible between biology and chemistry. As an early joiner, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape our trajectory and make real impact from day one.

We offer:

• Newly fitted dedicated site in Whittlesford near Cambridge – on-site parking and regular trains to Cambridge, London and Norwich
• Competitive salary
• Employee share option plan
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Private health insurance
• Pension plan (matching up to 8%)
• Collaborative and pioneering environment, at the leading edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.

We are built on three principles:

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.