Scientist/Senior Scientist Synthetic Genomics

One Nucleus; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Company pension (matching up to 8%)

Life assurance

Private medical insurance

Group income protection

Employee long term incentive scheme

On-site parking

Dog friendly office

Job summary

Constructive Bio in Cambridge is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist in Synthetic Genomics to design and execute genome synthesis strategies, focusing on reprogrammed genetic codes for protein production.

You will contribute to the platform by robust experimental design, thorough documentation, and collaboration with engineers, bioinformaticians and scientists to advance our Genomics programs and industrial-scale workflows.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry or bioengineering.
• Experience designing and executing DNA cloning strategies.
• Engineering mindset with ability to design, build and troubleshoot genetic systems.
• Experience interpreting sequencing data (Illumina / Oxford Nanopore).
• Proficient in prokaryotic DNA manipulation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental strategies for genome synthesis and large DNA assembly.
• Develop synthetic microorganisms with reprogrammed genetic codes for production.
• Document experiments thoroughly and communicate progress to teams.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational colleagues to deliver results.

Skills

DNA cloning design

Problem solving

Independent work

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD or equivalent in molecular biology

Tools

Gibson Assembly

Golden Gate Assembly

DNA sequencing tools

Illumina

Oxford Nanopore

Job description

Constructive Bio is a growing Cambridge based biotechnology company built on a simple conviction: the molecules that matter most are often the ones that can’t yet be made.

We’ve rewritten the genetic code to give cells access to new ncAA chemical building blocks - expanding the space of proteins that can be designed, engineered, and manufactured. Our platform moves from unexplored molecular territory to industrial-scale production, turning scientific possibility into manufacturable reality.

From next-generation medicines to advanced materials, Constructive shifts the question from “can we make this?” to “what should we make next?”

We’re proud to be a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. You can learn more about the Chin lab achievements here.

Since launching in 2022, Constructive Bio has raised $73 million in venture capital, including a $15 million seed round and a $58 million Series A, to commercialise our breakthrough synthetic genomics platform. Today, we are advancing a growing pipeline of programmes based on world-leading science, enabling the precise engineering of biology to create transformative medicines, materials and sustainable products.

As a fast-growing biotech at the forefront of generative biology, we're building a team of exceptional people who share our ambition to redefine what's possible with biology.

Join us and help shape the future of biology.

What we are looking for:

The Scientist, Synthetic Genomics will design and execute experimental strategies that support the development of our proprietary technologies for genome synthesis and large DNA assembly, with a focus on the creation of synthetic microorganisms with reprogrammed genetic codes that enable the recombinant production of valuable proteins and peptides containing multiple different non-canonical monomers. The role contributes to our platform through robust experimental design, thorough documentation, problem-solving, and collaboration with scientists, engineers and bioinformaticians. The ideal candidate will have a background in biological engineering and a proven track record of designing, executing and documenting experiments. The post holder will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the next stage of our platform development.

This role is open at either Scientist or Senior Scientist level. We will determine the level at offer stage based on depth of experience, scope of independent ownership, and leadership contribution.

Key responsibilities

• Deploy and develop our proprietary genome synthesis platform for the construction of microorganisms controlled by computationally designed, chemically synthesized genomes
• Independently conceive and execute experimental strategies for optimizing the growth and production phenotypes of strains with reprogrammed genetic codes
• Stay up to date with cutting-edge technologies in DNA synthesis, DNA assembly and large-scale genome engineering
• Record, analyse and interpret data, and regularly communicate progress, results and challenges to the wider R&D and leadership teams
• Collaborate closely with experimental and computational colleagues to deliver results on time and in line with the company's objectives

About you

• PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering or a related field
• Proficiency in the design and execution of DNA cloning, including Gibson, Golden Gate assembly or similar
• An engineering mindset, and experience in designing, building and troubleshooting genetic systems for target outputs
• Experience analysing and interpreting next-generation sequencing data, particularly Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore
• Familiarity with techniques for DNA manipulation in prokaryotes, such as base editing, homologous recombination, conjugation, transduction and transposition
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in a collaborative environment with shifting priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Nice to have

• Good working knowledge of bacterial genetics, genome annotation tools and genomic databases
• with in vivo DNA assembly workflows in E. coli,
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae or other microorganisms
• Familiarity with laboratory automation equipment and high-throughput molecular biology workflows
• Familiarity with Benchling or a comparable ELN
• Laboratory-based at our site in Whittlesford, South Cambridgeshire
• This is a laboratory-based role. Day-to-day work involves extended periods of bench work in a shared microbiology laboratory, including manual handling of equipment and consumables. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees in performing the role, and encourage you to contact us to discuss any adjustments you may need.

Salary and benefits:

• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• Company pension (matching up to 8%), life assurance, private medical insurance and group income protection schemes
• Opportunity to be part of our employee long term incentive scheme
• Newly fitted, purpose-built facilities in Whittlesford, South Cambridge, with on‑site parking and excellent rail links to Cambridge, London and Norwich
• A collaborative and pioneering environment at the cutting edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation

Please note that our office space is dog friendly.

We are committed to building a culture founded on trust, respect and collaboration, where curiosity, openness and scientific excellence thrive.

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.