At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise advanced human biological models for drug discovery.
- Company: Join a pioneering biotech startup with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biotech and make a real impact in science.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant biological fields required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about cutting-edge biology, stem cell systems, and building something from the ground up? Ready to take a leading role in shaping scientific direction within an early-stage biotech environment where your ideas, experience, and impact truly matter? We’re supporting a pioneering biotech startup in the search for a Production Scientist / Senior Scientist to join as one of their first scientific hires. This is a unique opportunity to help build a platform focused on developing advanced human biological models to support drug discovery and translational research. If you enjoy hands‑on experimental work, designing and improving complex in vitro systems, and working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where priorities evolve, this could be the perfect role for you.
About the opportunity:
This is a 14-month contract position (with potential to transition into a permanent role) based in a newly established laboratory environment. Due to the nature of experimental timelines, the role requires flexibility to occasionally work weekends, with time taken back during the week to ensure balance. You’ll work closely with founders and scientific leadership, helping define workflows, protocols, and the long‑term direction of the platform.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, optimise, and scale complex human stem cell-derived 3D culture models
- Design and execute experiments to support platform development and validation
- Establish robust lab protocols across cell culture, differentiation, and analysis workflows
- Apply techniques such as immunostaining, microscopy, and molecular biology assays
- Interpret and present experimental data clearly to internal stakeholders
- Build repeatable, scalable processes with strong emphasis on quality and reproducibility
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and continuously improve outputs
- Contribute to scientific planning, company strategy, and technical documentation
- Support collaboration across a small, ambitious team in a startup environment
Skills & Experience:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological field (e.g. stem cell biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, developmental biology)
- Strong hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Experience with stem cells, organoids, assembloids, or complex 3D culture systems
- Practical experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular/cell biology techniques
- Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments
- Strong understanding of assay development, reproducibility, and experimental quality control
- Experience in biotech, pharma, or translational research environments (highly beneficial)
- Exposure to commercial assay/platform development or workflow scaling is advantageous
- Familiarity with automation, QC processes, or high‑throughput workflows is beneficial
Why you will love working here:
- Salary between £35,000 and £45,000, depending on experience
- Be one of the first hires in a high potential biotech startup
- Pension scheme
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and official closure days over the Christmas period.
Production Scientist in Leeds employer: Doist
Brink's is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to drive global commercial strategies in the ATM lifecycle solutions sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, employees are encouraged to expand their skills while contributing to sustainable growth and operational excellence. Located in a dynamic environment, Brink's offers unique advantages such as a diverse team and the chance to build long-term partnerships with global customers, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Scientist in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Doist. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Doist!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Scientist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Doist that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Doist.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Doist does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Doist
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Doist. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Doist's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Doist. This shows your passion for the industry!
