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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to execute antibody discovery experiments and mentor junior colleagues.
- Company: FairJourney Biologics is a leading innovator in biologics drug candidates, with global operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous parental leave, and wellness programs at our vibrant Unity Campus.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that impact patients and the scientific community while collaborating globally.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant field with 3+ years lab experience in antibody discovery and molecular biology techniques.
- Other info: Applications close on July 17th; apply directly through our website.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our Organization
FairJourney Biologics acquired IONTAS in 2020 which is now one of our key innovation and technology centres. This site is located at the Unity Campus, south of Cambridge, a growing hub for life sciences and technology organizations. FairJourney Biologics operates across three global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK, and San Francisco – USA), and is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges and helping them 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 utilising 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 1-2 highly capable and enthusiastic Senior Research Associate(s) to join the expanding 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, as well as supporting the technical development of others. 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.
- Provide training and mentoring to junior colleagues and new hires.
- 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).
- 3+ years of hands-on lab experience, 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.
- Demonstrable experience in in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. reporter, TDCC).
- Experience in biochemical assays, (e.g. ELISA, BLI, SPR).
- 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.
- Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS 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.
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, and San Francisco. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights across sites, and contribute to groundbreaking antibody discovery 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. 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 & benefits package, including pension and life insurance.
- Generous parental leave policies.
- Unity Campus is a growing site with a range of perks, including networking events with other local companies, seminars, and an on-site gym with personal training, yoga, and wellness programs.
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.
Applications must be submitted directly through our website before July 17th.
Senior Research Associate (SRA), Antibody Discovery and Engineering (On-site: Cambridge, UK) employer: FairJourney Biologics
Contact Detail:
FairJourney Biologics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate (SRA), Antibody Discovery and Engineering (On-site: Cambridge, UK)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in antibody discovery and engineering. Being well-versed in current trends and technologies, such as phage and mammalian display platforms, will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your passion for the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the antibody discovery sector. Attend relevant conferences or seminars, and connect with current employees at FairJourney Biologics on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insider insights and potentially a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the responsibilities of the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your hands-on experience with techniques like DNA cloning, PCR, and in vitro assays, as this will showcase your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your teamwork and mentoring skills during the interview process. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues or trained junior team members, as these are key aspects of the role and will show that you're a good fit for the company culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate (SRA), Antibody Discovery and Engineering (On-site: Cambridge, UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in antibody discovery and engineering. Emphasise your hands-on lab experience, particularly with techniques like DNA cloning, PCR, and mammalian cell culture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to molecular biology and cellular biology techniques. Include any experience with flow cytometry, FACS, and antibody display technologies, as these are desirable for the position.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves presenting findings to senior management and partners, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex scientific data in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at FairJourney Biologics
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with antibody discovery techniques, especially phage and mammalian display. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills and the outcomes you achieved.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in the lab. Discuss your approach to troubleshooting and how you ensured high-quality results, as this role requires a solution-focused mindset.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since teamwork is crucial for this position, be ready to share experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues. Highlight any mentoring or training roles you've taken on, as this will show your ability to support junior team members.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice presenting your findings and updates succinctly, as you'll need to communicate with both internal teams and external partners. Clear communication is key, so consider how you can convey complex scientific concepts in an understandable way.
