This is a unique opportunity offering initial and longer-term career development working on exciting cutting edge technologies. For an ambitious company who are pioneers in the use of synthetic biology and its application to transform the discovery, development and manufacture of biologics, cell & gene therapies. Based in state-of-the-art laboratories near Oxford they are at the cutting edge of research in this field, which has huge potential to deliver solutions for the production of complex, high value products. They need to recruit Scientists to join their newly formed Gene Editing team as this expands due to an increased volume of programmes, particularly from the US.
The Company
The company are at the cutting edge of the exciting field of synthetic biology after developing their unique platform which enables them to offer solutions to the discovery, development and manufacture of biologics, cell & gene therapies. They currently offer a range of custom and platform services, specialising in DNA design, optimisation of protein and viral expression systems, and cell line development technologies. They are going through a significant period of expansion based on the success of their services and technology, not just in the UK but also in the US where they have recently opened a new office.
A strong focus is placed on R&D activities and further developing platform technologies, as supported by the recent receipt of multiple grants awards from Innovate UK.
The Opportunity:
This is an exciting and diverse opportunity where as an Gene Editing Scientist you will be working to develop their existing platform technology further as well as on external commercial projects. The purpose of this role is to be focused on expanding the gene editing capabilities and platforms at this dynamic company. For example, to develop stable transgene expressing mammalian cell lines or the production of viral vectors.
Working from the bench on assigned projects you will be using your science and creative thinking to drive these forward so that results are delivered on time. You will be leading projects from the set-up phase till close out, leading these internally by working with colleagues, from senior to junior, in the laboratory to develop the science needed to create the cell lines and expression systems.
This is a senior role in the department meaning you will be in contact with clients on a regular basis as a technical expert, providing project updates and presentations when required. Additionally, you will provide training to more junior staff to help with their development as well as technical issues they face. This is an excellent role where your innovative approach as a scientist will be an asset and give you the chance to gain valuable skills to progress your career with them.
Desired Skills and Experience:
They are looking for a creative thinking scientist who has a PhD in a relevant field or an MSc with several years of commercial experience to complement this. You will need to have experience of using CRIPSR (preferably) or other gene editing tools working with mammalian cells, if you have experience of using CHO or HEK cells then this is an advantage. You will need to have experience of using cell based assays such as Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation, and Immunofluorescence. As well as flow cytometry and cell sorting. Additionally, you will need strong molecular biology skills such as PCR (RT -PCR and qRT – PCR) and standard mammalian cell culture techniques for adherent and stable cell lines, and the production of transgene expressing mammalian cell lines,
You will need to have an engineering mindset with the ability to use statistical approaches with experience of using small scale bioreactor systems.