Research Associate/Scientist - Protein Science

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

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Cambridge is seeking a motivated Research Assistant/Scientist to enhance their Protein Science team. This role involves executing experiments, designing assays, and contributing to the development of innovative protein technologies. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and have experience in molecular biology and protein characterization. Competitive salaries and a range of benefits are offered.

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

Investment in professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, including PCR and molecular cloning.
• Track record of delivering robust data and high-quality results.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and clear communication skills.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Protein expression and purification

Collaborative team player

Education

BS/MSc in protein biophysics or related area

Tools

PCR

SDS-PAGE

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