Scientist, iPSC Platform in Cambridge

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics. As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Location: Babraham Research Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent

Start: Immediate

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for UK skilled worker sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or must not require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

Your role in our team: We are seeking a motivated Scientist to join our iPSC Platform team, playing a key role in the onboarding, maintenance and characterisation of both Master and Working Cell Banks that underpin bit.bio’s work. In this role, you will ensure the availability of consistent, highly characterised iPSC material to support our R&D, manufacturing, and product development efforts. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including Product Management, R&D, Process Development and Production, you will contribute at multiple stages of new product development, ensuring projects stay on track and on time. As such, there is a need to be diplomatic, collaborative and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced, rapidly growing environment. The ability to manage shifting priorities with agility will be key to your success.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the generation of master and working cell banks for a variety of iPSC lines with full characterisation; overseeing iPSC culture and quality assessments.
• Schedule work alongside other priorities and ensure experimental work is designed and carried out to the highest standards.
• Support cell line karyotype assessment via Optical Genome Mapping.
• Contribute to the expansion of this platform to support company goals.
• Develop and optimise SOPs in key processes such as cryopreservation, characterisation assays and establishment of quality criteria to support cell line generation.
• Provide training and guidance to junior team members, ensuring they are proficient in processes and adhere to established protocols effectively.
• Driving validation of new cell culture systems to ensure the platform remains fit for purpose.
• Designing and running of functional assays to qualify iPSC line quality.
• Proactive design of experiments to capture and interpret data where needed.
• Supporting junior members of the team by providing intellectual and practical support.
• Support the day to day decision making around team activities and priorities to support team and company goals.
• Promoting a proactive, continual improvement culture and systems to maintain high standards of service and good practice.
• Proactively identify opportunities to push the team to continually develop better ways of operating.
• Proactively highlight potential areas for improvement to your line manager and drive changes in process and procedures where applicable.
• Monitor and report key performance data to the Department lead e.g. project status and progress.
• Provide updates both verbal and via presentations to the relevant project teams.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to achieve project goals.
• Be proactive in your communication with others to support the most effective team dynamic, focussed on common goals.

Qualifications and experience

• Hold a minimum Bachelor’s degree qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field of Biological Science.
• Demonstrated motivation as a scientist with high scientific rigour, operational skill and work standards.
• Process oriented and experienced in developing, optimising & implementing workflows, protocols, procedures and resources in a quality management environment.

Essential experience

• Demonstrable and extensive industrial experience within the biotech or equivalent industry, working with human induced pluripotent stem cell biology, characterisation and culture systems.
• Experience of molecular biology techniques (Nucleic acid extraction, PCR etc).
• Experience of working to detailed instructions outlined in SOPs and recording experimental work in an electronic notebook or equivalent.
• Experience of mentoring more junior team members and managing internal & external stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent time management, organisation and communication skills.

Desirable experience

• Cell phenotyping and functional end point analysis e.g. flow cytometry, qPCR, ICC etc.
• Experience in cell characterisation, karyotyping and data analysis using specialist techniques such as optical genome mapping.
• Expertise in continuous improvement and its implementation (e.g. LEAN, 5S) and experience of working to a quality management system.
• Experience in automation and bioreactor operation.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment to GLP, GMP or similar.

More reasons to join us: bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact. We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other. Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.

Are you willing to relocate? Please indicate in your application.

Right to work status for the UK: Please indicate your status in your application.