At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative cell biology projects and execute cutting-edge experiments in drug discovery.
- Company: Join Arctoris, a pioneering drug discovery services company in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and generous leave for a balanced lifestyle.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, passionate team that celebrates innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in neuroscience and contribute to life-changing medicines.
- Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience with 2-5 years of industry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company/ Role Overview
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced cell biologist to join our neuroscience and i PSC team at Arctoris. a fast-growing drug discovery services company based on Milton Park in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
The successful candidate will be a highly experienced, hands-on cell biologist with a strong track record of delivering complex biological projects in a commercial drug discovery setting.
They will play a crucial role in all aspects of both our client-focused work and collaborative discovery and automation projects.
- Main Responsibilties
- Experimental Design & Project Execution
- Plan, execute and lead internal and client research projects to an exceptional standard.
- Perform in vitro experiments and assays with precision and rigor.
- Maintain mammalian, i PSC and primary cell cultures across a variety of disease settings (e. g., neuroscience, cancer, cardiovascular).
- Perform thorough data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of experiment results (including high-quality written reports).
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all experimental work.
- Follow and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure reproducibility and high-quality standards.
- Communication & Collaboration
- Communicate effectively on scientific progress during project updates and client meetings.
- Provide accurate feasibility assessments of potential projects to assist the sales and project management teams.
- Work well within a team to optimise processes, teach others, and learn.
- Neuroscience Capability Development
- Contribute to the evolution of our neuroscience service offering by identifying and validating new assays or disease models.
- Support the scoping of new neuroscience client projects, providing scientific insight into experimental design and feasibility.
- Stay at the forefront of the field, bringing emerging research methodologies into the Arctoris neuroscience portfolio.
Qualifications and Experience
Education & Industrial Background
- Ph D in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, or related field.
- Ideally 2-5 years of post-Ph D experience, predominantly in an industrial setting.
- Significant experience of working in a drug discovery environment.
- Technical & Scientific Expertise
- Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and complex cell models (ideally i PSC or other primary cell systems and/or 3D cell models).
- Expertise in neurodegenerative diseases and complementary advanced research techniques.
- Extensive assay development expertise for drug screening including application of appropriate assay validation metrics
- Implementing, performing, and troubleshooting a broad range of cell-based assays (e. g., high content imaging, flow cytometry, ELISA, luminescence/fluorescence plate-reader assays, q PCR…).
- Advanced instrumentation or automation experience.
- Experience in setting up and/or running medium-to-high throughput screening (MTS-HTS) assays
- Data & Dissemination
- Experience handling small as well as large datasets, including data QC and statistical analysis.
- Proven ability to disseminate research results (e. g., in reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed journal publications).
Why join us?
- Culture
- Dedicated, passionate and agile team who are constantly innovating and celebrating team successes
- Flexible and collaborative work culture with extensive development and progression opportunities
- Inclusion, diversity and belonging is core to our success.
We embrace everything unique and continue to be proud of our diverse, rich culture.
When you are at your best, we are at our best
Benefits
- Highly competitive reward package
- Pension scheme, 4x life insurance and other benefits, including bike to work scheme
- Generous sick pay scheme and enhanced family-friendly policies
- Personalised health and well-being support
- A minimum of 28 days’ annual leave, together with generous flexible and remote working opportunities to ensure you have a great work/life balance
- Regular team events, fresh fruit and snacks and lots of opportunities to socialise and build great relationships
About us
Arctoris is a technology-enabled drug discovery services company headquartered in Oxford.
We combine automated wet lab experimentation, proprietary analytical pipelines, and deep scientific expertise to accelerate the design and optimisation of new therapeutics.
Our proprietary Ulysses® automation platform and data infrastructure enable the generation of reproducible, high-quality datasets at scale, forming the foundation for AI-driven discovery capabilities across oncology, immunology, and neurodegeneration.
We operate at the intersection of biology, robotics, and data science, building systems that transform how scientists generate and interpret experimental data.
Joining Arctoris means contributing to a multidisciplinary environment where innovation in data architecture, analytical tooling, and computational pipelines directly advances the creation of life-changing medicines.
https://www. arctoris. com/
Senior Scientist II, Automated Cell Biology in Abingdon employer: Arctoris
Arctoris is an exceptional employer located in Milton Park, OX14, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment that prioritises collaboration and employee growth. With a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, the company provides extensive development opportunities, a competitive rewards package, and a flexible work culture that promotes a healthy work/life balance. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including personalised health support, a minimum of 28 days' annual leave, and regular team events that foster strong relationships within a passionate and dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist II, Automated Cell Biology in Abingdon
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Arctoris. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Arctoris!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist II, Automated Cell Biology in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Arctoris that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Arctoris.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Arctoris does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arctoris
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Arctoris. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Arctoris's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Arctoris. This shows your passion for the industry!