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- Tasks: Design and execute innovative chromosomal engineering programs in microbes.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge biotechnology company in Newcastle with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Opportunity for permanent position, work on groundbreaking projects, and be part of a visionary team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in synthetic biology and tackle tomorrow's challenges.
- Qualifications: PhD in synthetic biology/engineering biology and 5-10 years of hands-on experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
CK Group are recruiting for a highly motivated and experienced Principal Synthetic Biologist to join a growing biotechnological company in Newcastle on a three month fixed term contract with scope to be made permanent. A great opportunity to work in a cutting-edge field with a company at the forefront of biotechnological research and be part of a visionary team developing solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.
Company: A newly formed biotechnology organisation with state-of-the-art microbial engineering facilities, focused on building a biological and digital platform for biological assets supply chain management.
The Role: To design, execute, validate, and iterate complex chromosomal engineering programs in microbes. This will be a hands-on role where as Principal Biologist you will be capable of taking a biological objective from concept through engineered strains, sequencing-based validation, and interpretation under stress or evolutionary conditions.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute scarred and scarless chromosomal integrations across diverse microbes (e.g. E. coli, B. subtilis, P. putida, S. cerevisiae, etc).
- Perform multi-round, multi-locus genome engineering without marker exhaustion.
- Actively use and help configure ELN and/or LIMS systems to track: strain lineages, construct versions, sequencing data.
- Scientifically direct outsourced bioreactor work end-to-end (design, oversight, QC acceptance, and interpretation), without being the hands-on operator of the reactors.
- Sequencing & Data Interpretation - Design DNA-seq and RNA-seq experiments aligned to engineering questions.
Your Background:
Essential:
- PhD in synthetic biology/engineering biology with industry experience.
- Must have hands-on experience in microbial strain/genetic engineering (5 - 10 years).
- Demonstrated expertise in chromosomal (not plasmid-only) modification.
- Mastery of scarred and scarless genome editing techniques (CRISPR selection: Cas9/Cas12a DSB).
- Hands-on user of Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) and/or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) in a synthetic biology or strain engineering environment.
Strongly Preferred:
- Multi-host experience across Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and yeast systems.
- Sequencing-first engineering mindset.
- Prior experience in industrial or production-adjacent strain development.
- Familiarity with lab automation and digital lab systems.
Apply: It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference in all correspondence.
Principal Synthetic Biologist in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: CK Group- Science, Clinical and Technical
Contact Detail:
CK Group- Science, Clinical and Technical Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Synthetic Biologist in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Synthetic Biologist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and being ready to discuss your hands-on experience with microbial strain engineering. 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 speak with potential employers, let them know why you’re excited about the field and how you can contribute to their vision. We want to see that enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. So, get clicking and let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Synthetic Biologist in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really absorb the job description. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, and understanding it will help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit.
Show Off Your Experience: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in microbial strain/genetic engineering. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in chromosomal modifications and genome editing techniques.
Be Specific About Your Skills: We love specifics! Instead of saying you have experience with ELNs or LIMS, tell us how you’ve used these systems in your previous roles. This helps us understand your practical knowledge and how you can contribute to our team right away.
Apply Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your application, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at CK Group- Science, Clinical and Technical
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest techniques in synthetic biology, especially those related to chromosomal engineering. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with microbial strain engineering and how you've applied scarred and scarless genome editing techniques in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in your work and how you overcame them. This role requires a strong ability to design and execute complex engineering programs, so demonstrating your critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be key.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ELN and LIMS
Since you'll be using Electronic Lab Notebooks and Laboratory Information Management Systems, it’s crucial to understand how these tools work. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these systems and how they’ve helped you track strain lineages and sequencing data in your past projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's vision, their current projects, and how they see the role of Principal Synthetic Biologist evolving. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
