Scientist 2 (FTC)

We are currently looking for a Scientist 2 to join us on for a fixed term contract of nine months.

Bridging the gap between data and discovery

In the fast-paced world of pharma services, we understand the unique challenges and requirements faced in basic research, discovery, assay development, and screening workflows. Precision medicine demands rigorous data analysis and interpretation, often leaving a gap between analysis and answers. We provide a comprehensive suite of solutions to bridge that gap, driving productivity, enhancing data analysis, and ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and unwavering quality.

Our goal is to empower our pharma and biotech customers to detect and validate genetic and protein targets early in the drug development journey, unlocking predictive and prognostic insights for preclinical and clinical success. With integrated expertise across various mammalian cell based workflows, we are committed to ensuring our customers are able to achieve successful clinical outcomes.

We are looking for an experienced Scientist 2 with a background in gene editing, mammalian cell culture and molecular biology to join our Preclinical Services department. As a Scientist 2, you will use your expertise to undertake specialist tasks, troubleshoot, and promote continuous improvement in support of the successful provision of cell line engineering and cell based screening services.  Your primary role will be in cell line engineering and cell model generation group initially; however, as part of an integrated and dynamic department you will work closely with other teams (e.g. in cell panel and functional genomic screening) and will need to adapt to cross-functional roles, as required, to support overall project, departmental and company goals.

Key Responsibilities

With a quality mindset, contribute to the execution of mammalian cell line development projects. In your daily activities you will:

• Use various cell and molecular biology techniques, laboratory automation and lab information management systems (LIMS) to ensure projects move forward within the expected timelines and specifications 

• Analyse and interpret the results of such activities; identifying and solving problems

• Use internal and external knowledge to identify process improvement opportunities and implement new ways of working that have a direct impact on productivity and/or quality

• In areas where you are a subject matter expert, contribute to training material and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to disseminate knowledge and skills

• Communicate data and information clearly to your colleagues 

• Use resources effectively, holding yourself and others accountable for high standards 

• Be a champion in operational delivery and help direct day-to-day laboratory activities and report on milestones delivery

Essential Competencies & Requirements

• Highly experienced in molecular biology techniques, particularly in the context of PCR and genotyping

• Experienced in mammalian cell culture, excellent aseptic technique and some experience performing various cell based assays, for example growth, fluorescent, luminescent and imaging assays, FACS, transfections and/or lentiviral techniques etc.

• Understanding of Quality Management Systems

• A strong interest in using laboratory automation and information management systems to produce high quality products

• Self-aware with a diligent nature, good attention to detail and good record keeping skills

• Excellent organisational ability to plan and prioritise work

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience of performing in a busy team environment, working collaboratively to achieve shared goals and objectives

Desirable Competencies & Requirements

• Practical experience with liquid handling robotic equipment and/or information management systems (LIMS) (although full training will be provided)

• Practical experience of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, interpretation of sequencing data, design strategies etc

• Experience with more complex cellular models such as iPSC, primary cells etc

• Experience in applying in Lean methodologies (e.g. 5S, 8-wastes, Kaizen etc)