Senior Scientist - Cell Biology

We are seeking a confident and experienced cell biologist to join a fast-growing drug discovery services company based on Milton Park in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in all aspects of both our client-focused work and collaborative discovery and automation projects., * Maintain mammalian cell cultures, primary cell cultures and 3D cell models across a variety of scientific fields and disease settings (e.g. cancer, neuroscience, cardiovascular)

• Providing feasibility assessments of projects in advance to aid the sales team

• Communicating effectively with clients in scientific meetings

• Keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical development

• Work well within a team to optimise processes, teach others and learn

• Contribute ideas to technology development strategies and maintain a culture of continual improvement, * 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

You should be a highly experienced cell biologist with experience of managing scientists, managing multiple projects and building scientific growth strategies in a commercial setting. This is an onsite role and successful candidates will ideally have:

Technical Expertise:

• Strong background in the development and execution of biological screening assays

• Experience in handling of small molecule and biologics

• Experience with iPSC cell culture and differentiation (especially neuronal cells and cardiomyocytes)

• Strong background in neurobiology and neuronal cell culture techniques with imaging methods

• Knowledge of neurodegenerative disease models

Leadership Skills:

• Experience leading small teams or mentoring junior scientists

• Ability to manage commercial projects, budgets and timelines

• Confident at decision making

Additional Skills:

• Understanding of automation

• Experience with data analysis and interpretation of simple and complex assay data

• Experience with project management and resource allocation

• Ability to collaborate with other teams (e.g., bioinformatics, portfolio management, business development)

• Strong communication skills to present complex scientific concepts to various stakeholders

• Up-to-date knowledge of current trends and emerging technologies in cell biology

• Understanding of the biotech, pharmaceutical and contract research organisation (CRO) industry

• Design, plan, manage and deliver internal and client research projects

• Perform in vitro experiments and assays to an exceptional standard

• Develop and improve new assays for automation

• Data analysis, interpretation and presentation (including written reports and presentations) of experiment results

• Keeping thorough documentation of work that has been carried out

• Following standard operating procedures and establishing new SOPs when required, * PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, or related field

• Ideally 2-5 years of post-PhD experience, predominantly in an industrial setting

• Proven ability to disseminate research results e.g. in reports, presentations and peer reviewed journal publications

• Your previous background will be in cell biology, ideally including some of:

• Mammalian cell culture and complex cell models (ideally 3D cell models, iPSC or other primary cell systems) including development/optimization of culturing conditions

• Implementing, performing and troubleshooting a broad range of cell based assays for Genotypic and Phenotypic analysis (for example: flow cytometry, live-cell microscopy or immunofluorescence, NanoBRET based assays, ELISA)

• Practical experience with one or more gene engineering and gene modulation technologies for cell line engineering and development (CRISPR or RNAi mediated gene modulation)

• Assay development expertise for drug screening (for example high content analysis, small molecule or biologicals screening, siRNA or CRISPR screens, ELISA etc.)

• Expertise in neurodegenerative diseases or oncology and complementary advanced research techniques

• Advanced instrumentation or automation experience

• Experience in setting up and/ or running medium to-high throughput screening (MTS-HTS) assays

• Experience handling large datasets including data QC and analysis

• Significant experience of working in an industrial setting

• Annual leave

• Company pension

• Cycle to work scheme

• Life insurance

• Sick pay, * 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.

Arctoris

Olympic Avenue Milton Park Abingdon, Milton OX14 4SA