Research Associate - Wet Lab

Antler; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge biotechnology company in London seeks a laboratory professional to manage sample processing and automation in research studies. This role involves hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant experience and a degree in Molecular Biology or related fields. Join us to make meaningful contributions to health and research innovations.

Benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Autonomy in project work

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in an academic or industry setting.
• Hands-on experience with automation platforms and molecular techniques.
• Familiarity with Illumina sequencing workflows and associated QC tools.

Responsibilities

• Process and store incoming and outgoing samples.
• Operate automated platforms for DNA/RNA extraction.
• Perform quality control assessments of DNA/RNA extracts.

Skills

Excellent organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Proactive mindset

Education

B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology

Tools

QIAsymphony

Opentrons

Illumina sequencing platforms

Job description

About Prima Mente

Prima Mente’s goal is to deeply understand the brain, to protect the brain from neurological disease and enhance the brain in health. We do this by generating our own data, building brain foundation models, and translating discovery to real clinical and research impact.

Role Focus & Expected Growth - Sample Ops, NGS & Automation

• In 1 month you will have set up the process for processing and storing incoming and outgoing samples for clinical studies.
• In 3 months you will also directly own the maintenance of the lab inventory, automation set up and be onboarded to standard wet lab techniques in our lab.
• In 6 months you have contributed to the analysis of incoming samples and now directly own many key parts of the protocol.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Processing incoming and outgoing samples for clinical studies by supporting sample logistics, printing labels, tracking via our LIMS, processing and storage.
• Operating automated platforms for DNA/RNA extraction and NGS library preparation, including but not limited to QIAsymphony and Opentrons.
• Performing quality control assessments of DNA/RNA extracts and NGS libraries using instruments such as qPCR, Agilent TapeStation and Qubit.
• Running Illumina sequencing platforms, including hands-on operation and maintenance of NovaSeq instruments.
• Contributing to NGS assay development to support novel bioprocess testing workflows, including validation and troubleshooting of molecular protocols.
• Conducting protein analysis experiments such as ELISA, Western blotting, and other immunoassays to support multi-omic workflows.
• Collaborating with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to understand technical challenges and requirements, proactively proposing and implementing innovative analytical solutions.
• Documenting and maintaining accurate laboratory records in compliance with quality standards (e.g., GLP/GCLP), and preparing high-quality technical reports and data summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining lab organization and readiness, including calibration of instruments, inventory of consumables, and adherence to safety protocols.
  
  

Why Join Us:

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to research infrastructure that powers discoveries potentially impacting millions of lives.
• Innovation & Autonomy: Work at the forefront of AI and multi-omics, with the freedom to propose and implement solutions.
• Exceptional Team: Collaborate with talented colleagues from diverse backgrounds across ML, bioinformatics, engineering, clinical operations and biology.
• Growth Opportunities: Continuous learning and growth opportunities in a rapidly advancing technical field.
  
  

Culture Insight

What we are doing is extremely hard. Prima Mente is for great people. We are team players who appreciate challenges, want to be hands-on, and thrive on curiosity by throwing away assumptions. We are focused on excellence at pace and huge personal growth. We are strong communicators who are highly disciplined and rigorous.

Prima Mente operates with a flat organizational structure. We gain and share knowledge by contributing to multiple opportunities. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence.

We arrange our lives so we can work in person as much as possible.

Our Values

• Exceptional performance at exceptional pace
• The solutions we build demand uncompromising quality and rigour.
• The problems we are solving are grave and present.
• Inquisitive discovery
• We embrace curiosity and creativity.
• Every question is a path to a transformational breakthrough.
• Radical candour
• We practice unwavering honesty and transparency in all our challenges and interactions.
• Purposeful individuality
• Every individual in our team is celebrated for their identity, uniqueness, and experiences.
• We are invested in each one’s bespoke personal development.
• Nurturing individuality will supercharge our collective purpose and spirit.
• Patient impact at scale
• We have a steadfast commitment to improve the health and well-being of patients globally.
• Every experiment run, every dataset analysed, and every innovation developed, is a step towards achieving a scalable impact.
  

Who You Are

You enjoy being super hands on in the lab. You have excellent organizational and communication skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset. You have an ability to work independently and in a close-knit team in a fast-paced, evolving research environment.

Ideal Experience

• B.S./M.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in either an academic or industry setting.
• Hands-on experience with automation platforms and molecular techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR, NGS library prep).
• Familiarity with Illumina sequencing workflows and associated QC tools is highly preferred.
• Experience with protein quantification and characterization techniques is a plus.
  
  

Interview Process

Our intention is to run our interview process end to end within 2 weeks. You will interact with co-founders Ravi and Hannah, as well as every member of the wet lab team.