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- Tasks: Join a dynamic R&D team to support cell culture and bioprocessing innovation.
- Company: Cranleigh STEM, a forward-thinking biotech company in Oxford.
- Benefits: Health benefits, flexible hours, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable biotechnology and scientific advancement.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant field and 2+ years of lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
- 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
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 in England employer: Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate: Media Development in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and even referrals that could boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to cell culture and media preparation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! During interviews, share specific examples of projects you've worked on in cell culture or media development. This will help you stand out as someone who's genuinely excited about contributing to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate: Media Development in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in media preparation and mammalian cell culture. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for scientific innovation and how you can contribute to our collaborative R&D team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires precision, make sure your application reflects your attention to detail. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure that all your information is accurate and well-organised.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
✨Know Your Media Preparation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chemically defined and serum-free media formulations. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with media preparation and how you've tracked components and ensured traceability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Cell Culture Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with mammalian cell culture, including batch, fed-batch, and perfusion systems. Highlight specific examples of how you've maintained cell health and conducted metabolic studies, as this will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working in a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Discuss how you communicate effectively and contribute to team discussions, as this is key for success in a dynamic R&D environment.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is crucial in this role. Bring examples of how you've maintained accurate records and followed SOPs in your previous work. This will show that you understand the importance of compliance and precision in lab operations.