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

Flagshippioneeringinc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagshippioneeringinc in Cambridge, UK is seeking a Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist to join the Molecular Biology platform within the High Throughput Laboratory. You will deliver molecular biology workflows from extraction to sequencing-ready libraries, collaborating with Histology, Flow Cytometry, and Automation teams to optimise processes.

The role requires strong technical expertise, problem solving, and a drive to implement new technologies in a fast-paced genomics environment.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Molecular Biology or related life science discipline.
• 3–5+ years hands-on molecular biology lab experience in industry or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA and RNA extraction from tissue and cells.
• Prepare NGS libraries using multiple library prep methods.
• Operate and optimise automated molecular biology workflows.

Skills

Molecular biology skills

Nucleic acid handling

Laboratory troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MSc in Molecular Biology or related

Tools

Benchling

LIMS

Job description

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:

Essential

• 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.
• Experience using ELN/LIMS platforms (Benchling preferred).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable

• 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.