Scientist

Siftr Bio; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Options for rapid advancement

Flexible and inclusive workplace

Access to innovation ecosystem at White City

Job summary

A pioneering biotech startup in London is seeking an ambitious scientist to drive their discovery science programs. You will work closely with the founders on projects ranging from synthesis of novel ADC linker-payloads to developing cell-based assays. Ideal candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience, practical skills in various scientific areas, and a proactive approach in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary of £40-48k and equity package included.

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Strong practical skills in at least 3 of specified scientific areas.
• Proactive scientist with ownership of projects.

Responsibilities

• Support synthetic efforts and drive ADC conjugation work.
• Contribute to overall scientific strategy with the founders.
• Analyse and present data, maintain accurate lab records.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Peptide synthesis

Cell culture

Assay development

Bioconjugation

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Siftr Bio is on a mission to reimagine targeted cancer therapies and develop groundbreaking drugs with substantially reduced side‑effects that will improve the quality of life for patients. We’re assembling a multidisciplinary team of scientists and innovators at our lab space in the White City Innovation District, supported by a syndicate of US‑based investors, UK charities like Cancer Research UK, and leaders in the ADC field. We’re seeking an ambitious scientist to drive forward our discovery science programs as we enter the preclinical stage.

In this role, you’ll work directly with the founders and a focused scientific team to shape and execute our R&D programs — from the design and synthesis of novel ADC linker-payloads to the development of cell‑based assays. You should be an adaptable, interdisciplinary scientist who can contribute across scientific domains and iterate quickly as our platform evolves. As an early employee of a fast‑moving startup, you will help shape the science, processes, and culture that determine our success.

Key activities

• Depending on your skill set, you will support synthetic efforts to novel ADC linkers; lead the development and validation of cellular assays and models; and drive ADC conjugation and characterization work
• Work with the founders and wider team to contribute to overall scientific strategy
• Collaborate with scientists at Imperial College through regular meetings
• Analyse, organise, and present data to the rest of the company, and maintain accurate records of completed experiments
• Attend relevant conferences and stay abreast of the latest scientific developments in the field
• Support the wider team in designing and implementing lab processes for a safe and efficient research environment

Who you are

• Comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment, with a PhD or equivalent experience in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or related subject
• Strong practical skills in at least 3 of the following areas: organic synthesis, peptide synthesis, cell culture, assay development, bioconjugation
• A proactive scientist with a proven ability to take ownership and drive projects forward
• Someone who relishes the challenge of building a company from the early stages
• Must already have the right to work in the UK

What’s in it for you

• A unique opportunity to take significant responsibility at an early‑stage startup, with opportunities for rapid advancement as the company scales
• Exposure to a fast‑paced startup environment where your work on complex scientific challenges directly translates into patient impact
• Join a company at the forefront of innovation in the area of antibody‑drug conjugates
• Opportunity for direct collaborations with leading multidisciplinary scientists in Prof. Ed Tate’s group at Imperial College
• Access to a stimulating innovation ecosystem at White City with building wide events, socials, and activities
• A flexible and inclusive workplace with a healthy culture

Compensation

Competitive salary (£40-48k) and equity package

Diversity and inclusion

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to building a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

How to apply

Please send a CV to [e-mail] and include in your email answers to the following questions. Note that a cover letter is not required.

• What are you most proud of building or doing? (100 words)
• Briefly describe your research skill‑set and your key technical strengths (100 words)
• What do you value most in a workplace? (100 words)