Scientist in Oxford

About Akimbo Bio

Akimbo Bio (akimbo.bio) is an early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation in vivo lentiviral vector technologies to enable safer and more effective cell therapies. Our initial focus is the development of an improved CAR-T platform incorporating a novel T cell receptor-based control mechanism designed to function as a "brake" in healthy tissues while acting as an "accelerator" against cancerous tissue.

Founded by two scientific founders, Akimbo Bio is currently a team of four and is expanding to six as we continue to build our platform and capabilities. As an early team member, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful scientific and strategic impact, working directly alongside the founders on core technology development.

We are building a company culture that combines the agility of a start-up with a commitment to scientific excellence, professionalism, and creativity. We value rigorous thinking, collaborative problem solving, intellectual curiosity, and the freedom to explore ideas that can advance the future of cell therapy.

Role Description

Scientist – Cell Culture & Genetic Manipulation

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Scientist to join our team, in order to build appropriate cell culture models to validate the safety & efficacy of our immunotherapies, as well as support with lentiviral vector productions & QC. This is a hands-on laboratory role suited to someone who enjoys diligent experimental work. This job is anticipated to be around 50% advanced cell culture & 50% lentiviral QC.

The roles will initially involve:

• Generating stocks of cell lines, human organoids & primary immune cells;
• Digestion of tissues from surgical specimens to biobank digests;
• Effective CRISPR design & optimisation of protocols for genetic manipulation (knock-ins & knock-outs) in cell lines & organoids;
• Retroviral & lentiviral vector production from adherent/suspension HEK cells;
• QC of lentiviral products through qPCR, dPCR, ELISA, WB;
• Stable transduction of PBMCs with vector & establishing co-cultures with cell lines and organoids.

As the role develops past the early research phase of the company, the Scientist will be expected to continually re-evaluate how the experimental work can translate to scaled-up processes for GMP batch production, and consider how different therapeutic payloads may impact manufacture.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including suspension & adherent systems.
• Establish, maintain & biobank organoids from healthy and diseased (tumour) specimens, including development of novel growth media.
• Isolate PBMCs from whole blood, culture PBMCs in isolation, and optimise immune-epithelial co-culture (for cell lines & organoids).
• Design & execution of CRISPR knock-ins & knock-outs in cell lines, immune cells & organoids.
• Design, execute, analyse and interpret experiments related to retroviral & lentiviral vector production and characterisation.
• Use qPCR to assess titres & viral copy numbers.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and scientific advances in gene therapy, viral vector engineering, and immunology.
• Maintain laboratory standards, including equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and general lab upkeep.

Required Skills and Experience

• Either: 1) PhD in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, Bioengineering, or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience; or 2) 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant hands-on experience with cell culture & co-culture for cell lines, organoids, and primary immune cells.
• Significant experience with construct design in Snapgene.
• Molecular biology skillset including qPCR, ELISA, WB.
• Experience with flow cytometry & Incucyte imaging.
• Proven ability to independently plan experiments and critically interpret results.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills, and commitment to rigorous laboratory standards and documentation.

Desirable Skills

• Use of dPCR (QIAcuity) to assess titres & viral copy numbers.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms (e.g. QIAcube, QIAgility).
• Understanding of tech transfer towards GMP-ready processes.
• Prior hands-on or hands-off experience with mouse studies.
• Understanding of in vivo lentivirus & competitor approaches.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, science-driven environment.
• Hands-on involvement in the development and optimisation of lentiviral vector workflows and non-animal models of human disease.
• Opportunities to contribute meaningfully to high-impact research and development programs.
• Compensation: Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum.
• Private medical health insurance including allowances for dental cover.

Application Process

Call open on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received before 14th June 2026 will be subject to an early review process in consideration for interviews beginning on 22nd June 2026.

Candidates can expect three rounds of interviews, each of approximately 30 minutes, all scheduled within a 2 week timespan:

• Interview 1: Semi-structured; focused on company fit & prior relevant experience.
• Interview 2: Semi-structured; focused on technical skills & ability to execute.
• Interview 3: Presentation-based; focused on scientific creativity & thought process.

Questions

In instances where there is any doubt as to eligibility for this role, please direct questions to team@akimbo.bio.

Documents required at the point of application:

• Curriculum vitae, including industry roles, publications/pre-prints, patents, grants, conference talks etc.
• Cover letter addressing relevant qualifications/skills (1 page maximum).
• 2 case studies (half page each) - 1 illustrating technical competence & 1 illustrating problem-solving capability.

Please apply through the LinkedIn Job Easy Apply Application portal, and attach all of the above information in a single file (under the 'Resume' section) which you should upload.

In the event of technical difficulties, send documents by email to team@akimbo.bio, clarifying your name and the job title applied to in the email title (as we are conducting simultaneous hires). Applications that do not address all of the requested information will not be considered.