Senior Research Associate, Discovery & Engineering

FairJourney Bio; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous parental leave

Life insurance

Unity Campus location

Job summary

IONTAS, part of FairJourney Biologics, seeks a Senior Research Associate for its Discovery & Engineering Unit at its South Cambridgeshire site. You will work onsite in a lab, independently executing antibody discovery experiments for client projects and troubleshooting challenges.

You will mentor junior colleagues and collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality results. Applicants should have a BSc/MSc in a relevant field and 3+ years of hands-on lab experience in antibody discovery, with

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in a relevant field (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences).
• 3 years of hands-on lab experience in CRO/biotech/pharma, preferably in antibody discovery.
• Experience in molecular biology and cellular biology techniques, including DNA cloning, PCR and mammalian cell culture.
• Aseptic cell culture techniques and maintenance of mammalian cell lines.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and FACS.
• Experience in in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. TDCC).
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
• Clear written records and effective communication with stakeholders.
• Desirable: biochemical assays (ELISA, BLI, SPR); antibody display technologies; antibody isolation and engineering; display library construction.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display and relevant screening assays.
• Independently plan and execute high quality experiments to agreed timelines.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
• Present findings and progress updates to senior management and partners.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Antibody discovery

Phage display

Mammalian display

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BSc or MSc in molecular biology/biochemistry/biomedical sciences

Tools

Flow cytometer

ELISA

Phage/mammalian display systems

Job description

IONTAS is part of the FairJourney Biologics family, which operates across four global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK, San Francisco and San Diego – USA). FairJourney Biologics is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges, and helping bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects using a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognized for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.

The Role

We are seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Senior Research Associate to join our Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III).

This will be an onsite and predominantly lab-based role. Working within a project team, you will independently execute antibody discovery experiments for client projects, delivering first class results. You will apply your expertise to troubleshoot technical challenges as they arise and provide training to junior team members. Teamwork is a key skill for this role, as you will be collaborating with colleagues to plan and deliver project work. A positive and solution focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative and intellectually challenging projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display and relevant screening assays, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Independently plan and execute high quality experiments to agreed timelines.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
• Present findings and progress updates to senior management and partners.

Your Profile

• BSc or MSc in a relevant field (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences).
• A further 3 years of hands-on lab experience in a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research environment, preferably gained within the antibody discovery field, with an understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures, and sequences.
• In-depth understanding and practical research experience of molecular biology and cellular biology techniques, including DNA cloning, PCR and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong practical experience in aseptic cell culture techniques and the routine culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
• Demonstrable experience in in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. reporter, TDCC).
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
• Maintain clear written records in a timely manner.
• The ability to present and communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to build strong collaborative working relationships.
• Experience in biochemical assays, (e.g. ELISA, BLI, SPR) is desirable.
• Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display) is desirable.
• Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation is desirable.
• Experience in antibody display library construction is desirable.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

We Offer

Be Part of a Global Team

• By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, San Francisco and San Diego. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights and contribute to ground breaking antibody projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies

• IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and became part of the FairJourney Biologics family in 2020. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.

As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.

• Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
• Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients and the broader scientific community.
• Attractive salary & life insurance.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a cafe and a vibrant social community.

A Culture That Empowers

We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.