Scientist I

Job Description

Scientist I – Neurology drug discovery research

Talisman Therapeutics Ltd is a neuroscience-focused drug discovery company based in Cambridge, UK. Building upon the world-class knowledge and skills of its team, Talisman develops and employs proprietary human stem cell models of neurodegenerative and neurological disease to advance the development of novel therapeutics through our internal research projects and external collaborations. This is an exciting time to join the company as we develop and expand our research programmes.

We are currently recruiting a PhD-level scientist to join our expanding team and play a key role in the delivery of our preclinical drug discovery projects. The role will be a lab-based position, encompassing therapeutic target identification and validation, assay development and compound profiling, in addition to in vitro mechanistic studies in complex human stem cell models of disease. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a supportive and high-performing team and develop skills in cutting-edge technologies, including stem cell models of neurological diseases, high content imaging, and genetic screens, while contributing to the discovery of new medicines. We are looking for a proactive scientist with proven research ability and a desire to make a difference as part of an experienced, collaborative team. Extensive training will be provided for the successful applicant.

Note that this role will require occasional weekend work based on a rota system.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Generation of human neurons and glia from patient-derived iPS cells;
2. Performing cell and molecular biology assays using Talisman disease models to support preclinical neuroscience research;
3. Development and delivery of phenotypic screens in human stem cell models of neurodegenerative disease (CRISPR and small molecules);
4. Contributing to continuous refinement of disease models, workflows, assays, and mechanistic studies;
5. Being a core member of multiple project teams, contributing data and ideas;
6. Assisting with data analysis and preparation of research reports.

Essential skills and qualifications:

Essential qualifications include a minimum of a 2.1 class honours degree and a PhD in the biological or physical sciences. Essential skills include hands-on experience in one or more of: cell culture, cell/molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or neurodegeneration research. Knowledge of neuroscience, immunology, or developmental biology, and/or relevant cell-based assay experience and computational data analysis are desirable. Recent PhD graduates are encouraged to apply.

Employee benefits:

The role will be based at the Talisman research labs on the Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge. We offer excellent compensation and benefits reflecting our strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Our benefits include a 4.5-day workweek, an Employee Share Option Scheme, a non-contributory Life Assurance scheme, non-contributory BUPA Private Medical Insurance, and access to a cycle-purchase scheme. Starting salary will range from £33,000 to £40,000, depending on experience. To apply, please send a CV via LinkedIn by Friday 23rd May 2025 at 12 noon.