Senior Research Associate

Planet Pharma; Harwell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking an experienced Research Associate to join our Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays team at the Harwell site on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role offers hands-on lab work in a cutting-edge mRNA project and aims to deliver high-quality bioanalytical data to support development programs.

You will execute ligand binding and cell-based assay development and validation, analyze clinical samples, maintain accurate electronic lab notebook records, and ensure GLP/GCLP/GMP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
• Minimum of three years' experience in biotech/pharma/CRO.
• Experience with ligand binding and/or cell-based assays.
• Experience in regulated lab environments (GLP/GCLP/GMP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute ligand binding and cell-based assay development and validation experiments following established protocols and study plans.
• Perform sample analysis for clinical specimens in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Support assay development, validation and sample analysis activities to meet project timelines.
• Analyse experimental data and communicate results to project teams.
• Prepare and characterise reagents according to established procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Assist with SOPs, technical reports and data presentations.
• Ensure GLP, GCLP, GMP compliance and quality standards.
• Participate in routine lab maintenance, inventory, and equipment upkeep.
• Identify deviations or issues and escalate to senior scientists or management.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support departmental objectives.
• Contribute to high-quality data generation for regulated clinical testing.

Skills

Ligand binding assays

Cell-based assays

ELN / Electronic Lab Notebook

GxP compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook)

GxP systems

Job description

Planet Pharma is seeking an experienced Research Associate to join our client and work within the Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays team. This role plays a part in the advancing cutting edge science, that will support the growing mRNA pipeline and generate high-quality bioanalytical data that supports the development of innovative mRNA medicines and make a meaningful impact for patients worldwide.

This is a 6-month fixed-term contract opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute ligand binding and cell-based assay development and validation experiments following established protocols and study plans.
• Perform sample analysis for clinical specimens in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Support assay development, validation and sample analysis activities to meet project timelines.
• Analyse experimental data using established methods and communicate results effectively to project teams.
• Perform critical reagent preparation and characterisation according to established procedures.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental documentation using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical reports and scientific data presentations.
• Execute laboratory procedures in compliance with applicable GLP, GCLP, GMP and Client's internal quality standards.
• Participate in routine laboratory maintenance, inventory management and equipment upkeep.
• Identify deviations or technical issues, communicate findings promptly and **escalate** concerns to senior scientists or management as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to support departmental objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to high-quality experimental execution and timely generation of bioanalytical data supporting assay development, validation and regulated clinical sample testing.
• Here's What You'll Bring to the Table:

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of three years' experience within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical or Contract Research Organisation (CRO) environment.
• Working knowledge of ligand binding assays and/or cell-based assays.
• Experience supporting pharmacokinetic (PK), anti-drug antibody (ADA) and/or neutralising antibody (nAb) assays is preferred.
• Experience working within a regulated laboratory environment operating under GLP, GCLP and/or GMP is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately follow established laboratory procedures.
• Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to producing high-quality work while maintaining compliance with laboratory quality systems.

This is a site-based position requiring full-time presence at Client's Harwell site and is not eligible for remote working.