Research Associate (Applied Workflow)

Nuclera; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech company based in Cambridge is seeking a lab-based professional to contribute to their eProtein Discovery system. The role involves executing protein assays, collaborating with teams, and requires strong skills in molecular biology. Candidates with a BS/MSc and relevant industry experience are encouraged to apply. The company offers a competitive salary, bonus structure, and a range of employee benefits, including professional development support.

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’ experience in the industry for BS holders, 1 year for MSc holders.
• Experience in common molecular biology and protein techniques.
• Collaborative, self-motivated with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem Solving

Education

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

Tools

PCR

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

Affinity Purification

SDS-PAGE Gel Electrophoresis

Job 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.

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)

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