Scientific Associate

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced researcher to join our growing team. This role combines hands-on experimental research with opportunities to contribute to scientific support activities and laboratory operations, helping advance projects to publication and, if desired, lead your own initiatives.

You will collaborate with colleagues and partner with the Senior Scientific Associate, Dr Mawer, to support day-to-day lab management and ensure rigorous data collection, analysis,

Qualifications

• Experience in hands-on molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Ability to support laboratory operations and data management with high standards.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills are essential.
• Willingness to lead independent projects if desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology experiments including cloning, western blotting, human cell culture, CRISPR/Cas editing, lentiviral infection and qPCR.
• Conduct RNA and nucleic acid biochemistry work such as RNA/DNA isolation and pull‑down assays.
• Utilise immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for analysis.
• Apply genomics approaches including library preparation and bioinformatics analysis.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Cell culture

CRISPR/Cas

qPCR

NGS

Bioinformatics

Data management

Collaboration

Laboratory operations

Tools

Western blotting

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence microscopy

Next-generation sequencing

Lentiviral infection

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, scientifically driven and collaborative researcher to join our growing team. This role combines hands‑on experimental research with opportunities to contribute to scientific support activities and laboratory operations. You will work closely with colleagues to advance projects through to publication, help establish new research directions and methodologies, and, if desired, take the lead on your own projects. You will also partner with our Senior Scientific Associate, Dr Mawer, to support the day‑to‑day management and smooth running of the laboratory.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working across a range of cutting‑edge research projects, you will use techniques including:

• Molecular biology, such as cloning, western blotting, human cell culture, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, lentiviral infection and qPCR.
• RNA and nucleic acid biochemistry, including RNA/DNA and RNA‑DNA hybrid isolation, immunoprecipitations and pull‑down assays.
• Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Genomics approaches, including next‑generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and bioinformatics analysis.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong molecular biology and biochemistry expertise, alongside experience in mammalian cell and/or tissue culture. You should have in‑depth knowledge in at least one of the following areas:

• Genome stability
• RNA biology
• Chromatin biology
• Innate immunity
• Cancer biology

Experience with next‑generation sequencing and/or bioinformatics would be advantageous but is not essential.

Beyond technical expertise, we are seeking someone who enjoys working collaboratively, both within the group and with external partners. You should be organised, detail‑oriented and committed to maintaining high standards of data management, record keeping and laboratory practice. A proactive, positive approach to problem‑solving and a willingness to support colleagues are highly valued.