Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise DNA assembly workflows and collaborate on innovative projects.
- Company: Join AmpliSynth, a pioneering synthetic biology startup in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 25 days leave, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in democratizing DNA synthesis and drive scientific innovation.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and expertise in DNA assembly methods required.
- Other info: Be part of a small team with clear pathways for progression and ownership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
AmpliSynth is a London-based synthetic biology company on a mission to democratise access to DNA synthesis. We are developing a benchtop platform that enables on-site, on-demand gene synthesis for research and biotech organisations.
AmpliSynth is currently recruiting an experienced and self-sufficient scientist to join their team. As part of our continued investment in our DNA synthesis platform, this role is key to take our platform from proof-of-concept to a validated instrument. This position is suited to someone who thrives on solving complex molecular biology challenges, and is confident working across disciplines in a fast-moving startup environment. As an early hire, you will have direct scientific ownership and clear pathways for progression based on capability and impact.
Key responsibilities
- Design and optimise enzymatic DNA assembly workflows for the construction of long dsDNA, from oligonucleotide building blocks to multi-kilobase constructs.
- Develop assembly strategies for iterative build-up of complex genetic constructs.
- Build synthetic gene cassettes, and DNA constructs for functional testing.
- Develop strategies for sequence verification / fidelity, error correction, and QC across assembled constructs.
- Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to integrate biological workflows into automated systems.
- Maintain lab notebooks, SOPs, and COSHH risk assessments.
What we need from you
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline.
- Expertise in DNA assembly methods and multi-fragment construct engineering in vitro and / or in cells.
- Strong understanding of nucleic acid biochemistry, sequence design principles and enzymology.
- Python or other scripting language for data analysis; comfort with command-line bioinformatics tools.
- Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong DoE skills with a rigorous, systematic approach to troubleshooting.
Nice to have
- Experience with synthetic genome construction, and combinatorial library design.
- Familiarity with nucleic acid thermodynamics and secondary-structure prediction tools (e.g. NUPACK, ViennaRNA or similar).
- Experience with fluorescence and FRET-based assays.
- Experience with instrument development and automation.
- Familiarity with how scientific results integrate with commercial value.
What we offer:
Join AmpliSynth and become part of a small, focused team building a platform technology with the potential to democratise DNA synthesis. We value scientific rigour, intellectual curiosity, and the agility and ownership that comes with being an early member of an ambitious startup.
- Competitive salary, reviewed annually
- Share options (EMI scheme) — meaningful equity participation for early employees
- 25 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Pension contributions in line with UK auto-enrolment.
- A collaborative environment where your ideas directly shape the product
AmpliSynth Ltd is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply, send your CV and a brief cover letter (max one page) to: . Within the cover letter we would like you to answer the following question: If you could synthesise any DNA sequence tomorrow without cost, length, and turnaround restriction, what would you build, and why?
Senior Scientist in Slough employer: Amplisynth Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Amplisynth Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the synthetic biology field, attend relevant meetups, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your past projects in detail. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for synthetic biology! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their mission at AmpliSynth and why you’re excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer the question about the DNA sequence you’d synthesise clearly and creatively. Show us your passion for synthetic biology and how your ideas align with our mission at AmpliSynth.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in synthetic biology, especially any work with DNA assembly methods. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for, so make it personal!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: We value clear communication, so make sure your application reflects that. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. This will give us a taste of how you’ll communicate in our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our team from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amplisynth Ltd.
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of DNA assembly methods and molecular biology principles. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially any complex challenges you've tackled. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've approached troubleshooting in your previous roles. AmpliSynth is looking for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, so be ready to share specific instances where your systematic approach made a difference.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential, practice explaining your research and findings in a clear and concise manner. You might even want to prepare a brief summary of a project that highlights your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Align with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with AmpliSynth's mission to democratise DNA synthesis. Think about how your skills and experiences align with this goal and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision during the interview.