Research Associate - Protein Science

Nuclera; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech company in Cambridge is seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Scientist to join their Protein Science team. The role involves working on protein expression, purification, and characterization workflows. Candidates should have experience in molecular biology and a strong track record of teamwork in a fast-paced environment. Competitive salaries and various benefits are offered, including bonuses and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme of 5%

Share option incentive scheme

Life insurance

Private medical insurance

25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays

Enhanced employer's pension contributions

Fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and snacks

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ industry experience for BS holders; 1 year for MSc holders.
• Experience in delivering robust data within tight timelines.
• Self-motivated and interested in Nuclera’s technology.

Responsibilities

• Execute and analyze experiments using the eProtein Discovery System.
• Design and troubleshoot DNA preparations and protein assays.
• Report results in a timely manner and maintain good laboratory practices.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Protein expression

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

BS/MSc in protein biophysics, biochemistry or related field

Tools

PCR

SDS-PAGE

Agarose 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.

We’re looking for a motivated Research Assistant/Scientist to join our Protein Science team. You’ll work on cutting-edge protein expression, purification, and characterisation workflows, contributing directly to the development of our eProtein Discovery platform. The role would suit a candidate with excellent communication and organizational skills, 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 characterization is essential.

About the role

• Follow SOPs to and work under supervision to execute and analyze experiments on the eProtein Discovery System.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot DNA preparations, protein purifications and protein activity assays with guidance from senior members of the group.
• 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 year’s (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, molecular cloning, and agarose gel electrophoresis
• Experience with common protein expression and purification techniques, SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, and 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
• Right to work in the UK

Desirable

• Previous experience of making or working with proteins in the pharmaceutical, CRO, and/or biotechnology industry would be advantageous.
• Prior experience in expressing and purifying antibodies.
• 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