Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Quotient Therapeutics in Cambridge, UK seeks a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to advance molecular biology workflows in a high‑throughput platform. You will extract DNA/RNA from human samples, prepare sequencing libraries, and optimize automated workflows while collaborating with Histology, Flow Cytometry and Assay Development teams.

The role emphasizes quality control, troubleshooting, and hands‑on lab work in a fast‑paced biotechnology environment, with opportunities to mentor

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or equivalent in Molecular Biology or related life sciences.
• 3–5+ years hands‑on molecular biology experience in industry.
• Experience extracting DNA/RNA from diverse samples.
• Experience with nucleic acid fragmentation and QC.
• NGS library preparation experience.
• Experience in a high-throughput lab and automated workflows.
• Familiarity with Human Tissue Act and related quality systems.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-quality molecular biology workflows including DNA and RNA extraction from human tissues and cells.
• Quantify nucleic acids, assess quality, and fragment samples for sequencing.
• Prepare diverse NGS libraries using multiple methods.
• Support automation and routine operation of molecular biology workflows.
• Troubleshoot workflows to improve quality, reproducibility and throughput.
• Coordinate with Histology and Flow Cytometry teams for seamless sample progression.
• Assist in implementing new technologies into routine operations.
• Maintain accurate lab records using Benchling and IL systems.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to SOP development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support training and mentoring of junior staff.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA/RNA extraction

NGS library preparation

Automation

High-throughput workflows

Troubleshooting

Education

BSc/MSc in Molecular Biology

Tools

Benchling

Job description

Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform

Cambridge, UK

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to join our Molecular Biology platform within the High Throughput Laboratory.

Reporting to the Scientific Manager, this role will be responsible for delivering high-quality molecular biology workflows that underpin Quotient's somatic genomics platform. Working closely with Histology, Flow Cytometry, Assay Development, Automation and Data Science, you will support the processing of human tissue-derived samples from nucleic acid extraction through to sequencing-ready libraries.

The successful candidate will combine excellent technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement, working collaboratively across scientific teams to optimise workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges and help implement new technologies into routine laboratory operations.

This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys operating in a fast-paced biotechnology environment, is passionate about molecular biology, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a growing high-throughput genomics platform.

Responsibilities:

• Execute high-quality molecular biology workflows including DNA and RNA extraction from human tissues and isolated cells/nuclei.
• Perform nucleic acid quantification, quality assessment and fragmentation to support downstream sequencing applications.
• Prepare high-quality NGS libraries using a variety of library preparation methodologies.
• Support implementation, optimisation and routine operation of automated molecular biology workflows.
• Troubleshoot molecular biology workflows, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reproducibility and throughput.
• Work closely with Histology and Flow Cytometry teams to ensure seamless progression of samples through the High Throughput Laboratory.
• Support implementation of new technologies and molecular biology methods developed by Assay Development into routine laboratory operations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records using Benchling and associated laboratory information systems.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems, the Human Tissue Act, COSHH and all relevant laboratory procedures.
• Contribute to SOP development, protocol optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the Molecular Biology platform.
• Support training and mentoring of junior Research Associates where appropriate.

Qualifications:

• BSc, MSc or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related life science discipline.
• Significant hands‑on experience working within a molecular biology laboratory (typically 3–5+ years in industry or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience extracting high-quality DNA and RNA from a variety of biological sample types.
• Hands‑on experience performing nucleic acid fragmentation and quality assessment.
• Experience preparing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) libraries.
• Experience operating within a high‑throughput laboratory environment.
• Experience using laboratory automation or supporting automated molecular biology workflows.
• Excellent laboratory organisation, troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working under the Human Tissue Act and associated quality systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Experience with NanoSeq or similar ultra‑sensitive sequencing assays.
• Knowledge of somatic genomics, mutation detection and cancer genomics workflows.
• Experience working with Fixed and fresh frozen tissue.
• Experience preparing sequencing libraries for low-input or challenging biological samples.
• Experience supporting implementation of automated liquid handling systems.
• Experience working collaboratively with Assay Development and Automation teams.
• Experience within a rapidly growing biotechnology organisation.
• Knowledge of laboratory process optimisation and Operational Excellence methodologies.

Values and Behaviors:

• Encourage respectful disagreement and cultivate open‑minded, ego‑free interactions to continuously push each other towards excellence
• Seek out diverse perspectives; practice active listening and genuine curiosity to ensure all contributions are valued, regardless of source
• Recognize the impact of your behavior, language and attitudes, and strive for balanced, meaningful exchanges that enhance mutual growth and understanding in all interactions
• Use a company‑first mindset to guide decision‑making; prioritize team over individual success
• Take calculated risks and challenge convention in the quest for exceptional outcomes

About Quotient:

Quotient Therapeutics is a privately‑held, early stage company developing breakthrough medicines informed by natural somatic genetic diversity present in patients. Through our work in somatic genomics, we are forging a new status quo for biopharma research and development across a broad pipeline of internal and partnered programs.

The company was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first‑in‑category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Generate Biomedicines, Sana Biotechnology (SANA), Tessera Therapeutics, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), Indigo Agriculture, Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), and Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS).

Quotient Therapeutics and Flagship Pioneering are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.