Scientist: Upstream Mammalian

Scientist (Upstream AAV – Cell Biology)

Location: Cambridge

Contract: Full-time and permanent

Sector: Biotechnology

Salary: £29,000 - £33,000 depending on experience and interview performance.

Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA, providing exciting possibilities to manufacture cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs for use in gene therapies than traditional plasmid-based methods. They also run drug discovery projects within the gene therapy sector using adeno-associated viruses (AAV). In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to bring a Junior Scientist into the team to support the AAV and cell biology section of the business. This role will require the successful candidate to have previous post-graduate experience in mammalian cell culture and transfection experience, ideally some AAV production experience.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a junior scientist who holds a BSc/MSc in a Biology focused role with at least one year of experience within a post-graduate role. This can be gained during your degree, or in industry. This role will involve the following:

• Mammalian cell culture, both adherent and suspension culture to product AAVs. This is an upstream focused position.
• Conducting transfections (electroporation, transient, lipid-based, PEI etc)
• Maintain cell cultures including HEK293 and other cell types.
• Improve in-house processes for AAV production.
• Characterisation of AAVs (occasionally).
• Maintain lab equipment whilst complying with company health and safety practices.

Skills and Experience Needed

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• BSc / MSc in a biology / biotechnology discipline (essential, equivalent experience is fine).
• 1 year of post-graduate experience in mammalian cell culture work, ideally adherent and suspension (essential).
• 1 year of post-graduate experience in transfections (plasmids containing the components to make AAV – often done via PEI, electroporation or lipid based methods) (essential).
• Experience working with bioreactors (desired).
• Previous AAV production and characterisation experience (desired).
• Indefinite right to work in the UK without need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential).

The Package

As an up-and-coming Cambridge Biotech, our client is able to offer a competitive salary, progression options and benefits package including private pension and private healthcare.