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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to support cell culture and bioprocessing innovation.
- Company: We're a forward-thinking company based in Oxford, focused on scientific advancement.
- Benefits: Enjoy health benefits, flexible hours, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in a relevant field with 2+ years of hands-on experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven culture dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about hands-on lab work and excited to support scientific innovation in cell culture and bioprocessing? We’re looking for a Research Associate to join a collaborative R&D team based in Oxford. This full-time role is a great fit for someone with experience in media preparation and mammalian cell culture, who’s eager to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced and evolving field.
About the Role
As part of the Cell Culture Media Development team, you’ll contribute to media formulation, support mammalian cell culture experiments, and assist in process optimization projects. This is an ideal opportunity for a technically skilled and detail-oriented researcher who enjoys working with precision and collaborating across disciplines to support emerging biotechnologies.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Media Preparation: Prepare chemically defined and serum-free media from powder; Track media components, batches, and lot numbers with precision; Manage inventory and ensure traceability of media formulations; Support experimental media development and optimization workflows.
- Cell Culture Support: Maintain and culture mammalian cells across batch, fed-batch, and perfusion systems; Conduct metabolic studies and monitor cell health using assays for growth, viability, and productivity; Contribute to the setup and maintenance of cell-based experiments.
- Process Development and Analysis: Support high-throughput screening for media and process improvements using DoE approaches; Participate in bioreactor experiments and help ensure consistency across different scales; Collect and analyze samples for metabolite profiling (HPLC, LC-MS, enzymatic assays).
- Lab Operations: Maintain lab cleanliness and manage equipment upkeep; Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety protocols, and documentation standards; Share responsibility for out-of-hours cell culture maintenance.
What We’re Looking For
- BSc or MSc in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and media preparation.
- Familiarity with chemically defined and serum-free media formulations.
- Basic understanding of cell metabolism and bioprocess development principles.
- Proficient in data collection, documentation, and laboratory tools.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
Ideal Traits
- Detail-oriented and committed to accurate record-keeping.
- Organized, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively.
- Collaborative, thriving in multidisciplinary team environments.
- Adaptable and comfortable in a dynamic R&D setting.
- Clear communicator, both in lab documentation and team discussions.
Salary, Benefits & Location
- Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience).
- Location: Oxford, UK.
- Benefits: Health benefits, flexible working hours, continuous learning opportunities.
- Work Environment: Inclusive, innovative, and purpose-driven culture focused on scientific advancement and sustainability.
Why Apply?
This is your chance to be part of a forward-thinking team focused on developing scalable, science-driven solutions in the field of cell culture and bioprocessing. Your work will contribute to the advancement of emerging technologies that support more sustainable and efficient production systems.
Research Associate: Media Development employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate: Media Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in cell culture and bioprocessing. Understanding current innovations and challenges in the field will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biotechnology sector, especially those involved in media development and cell culture. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in media preparation and mammalian cell culture. Be ready to explain how you approached challenges and what outcomes you achieved.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission. Being able to articulate how your personal goals align with our commitment to scientific advancement and sustainability can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits our culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate: Media Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in cell culture and media preparation. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for scientific innovation and your understanding of the role. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in media formulation and cell culture support.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and any familiarity with chemically defined and serum-free media formulations. Be sure to mention your organisational and time-management skills as well.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary team, include examples of past collaborations in your application. Highlight how you contributed to team projects and supported others in achieving common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and media preparation. Highlight specific techniques you've mastered, such as preparing chemically defined media or conducting metabolic studies, to demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary team, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. This will show that you can thrive in a team environment and contribute positively to the R&D setting.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of precision in this role, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Mention your methods for tracking media components and maintaining lab documentation, as this will reflect your commitment to quality.
✨Prepare for Process Development Questions
Expect questions related to process optimisation and bioprocess development principles. Brush up on your knowledge of high-throughput screening and DoE approaches, as well as any relevant experiences you have in these areas.
