At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and execute molecular biology workflows to bring gene synthesis technology to market.
- Company: Join an ambitious biotech start-up focused on innovative gene synthesis solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on lab experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with clear pathways for advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping the future of biotechnology.
- Qualifications: Strong molecular biology background and hands-on troubleshooting skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Exciting Opportunity: Senior Molecular Biologist (Gene Synthesis Start-up)
Are you a hands‑on molecular biologist who enjoys turning science into real‑world solutions? We are looking for a Molecular Biologist to join an early‑stage biotech bringing a gene synthesis technology to market. Your focus will be on commercial implementation. You’ll tackle customer‑driven challenges head‑on, solving problems and adapting approaches to meet real‑world constraints and deliver results.
About the Organisation
You’ll be joining a biotech start‑up focused on bringing a gene synthesis platform to market. The team is small, ambitious, and technically driven, working at the intersection of molecular biology and automation. With support from Innovate UK, the business is moving rapidly from concept through validation and toward commercialisation.
The Role of the Senior Molecular Biologist
This is a hands‑on, lab‑focused role, working as part of a small core team to develop and refine process workflows that underpin a commercial gene synthesis offering. You’ll take ownership of key work packages, contributing directly at the bench while collaborating closely with internal colleagues and external partners to solve complex technical challenges.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing, executing, and troubleshooting molecular biology workflows related to gene synthesis
- Owning and driving iterative experimental cycles to improve performance, robustness, and scalability
- Developing and maintaining SOPs and documentation
- Collaborating with external partners to replicate and internalise key technical capabilities
- Establish protocols on automated liquid handling platforms to enable commercial scale
- Operating and optimising sequencing platforms, including Nanopore and Sanger sequencing
- Analysing sequencing and experimental data, including use of Python‑based tools
- Contributing to broader strategy discussions as the platform evolves toward commercialisation
The Ideal Candidate for the Molecular Biologist Role
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- A strong foundation in molecular biology, with proven hands‑on troubleshooting experience
- A highly practical mindset with a genuine enthusiasm for bench science and iteration
- Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems
- Recent experience operating Nanopore and Sanger sequencing platforms
- Experience working within industry and have commercial acumen
- Working knowledge of Python for scientific or sequencing data analysis
- Excellent documentation and communication skills
- The ability to take ownership of a workstream and drive it independently
- Experience working in a commercial gene synthesis setting
Nice to have (Not essential):
- Project management skills
- Experience in synthetic chemistry pertinent to DNA synthesis
Background & Mindset
This role is best suited to someone who:
- Is focused on leading and delivering scientific work in a commercial setting.
- Is comfortable with working with the goal of meeting commercial objectives.
- Has experience across both structured environments (e.g. larger organisations) and fast‑moving or early‑stage settings
- Is comfortable working with ambiguity, evolving priorities, and high autonomy
- Enjoys solving problems without predefined answers
- Is collaborative, pragmatic, and motivated by building something new
Project management experience is beneficial, but not essential.
Growth Opportunity
This role offers a clear pathway towards senior oversight. As the company grows, you will have the opportunity to:
- Identify, hire and oversee lab technicians to support in processing
- Build and mentor a growing scientific team
- Contribute to external partnerships, fundraising, and strategic planning
Why This Role?
This is a genuinely unique opportunity for a scientist who wants to:
- Stay hands‑on in the lab while influencing company direction
- Work on high‑impact technology
- Be part of a foundational team in a start‑up environment
Senior Molecular Biologist in London employer: Energy Jobline ZR
World Wide Technology (WWT) is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Programme Director in London. With a strong focus on employee growth, WWT offers opportunities to lead cutting-edge automation projects while working in a hybrid environment that promotes work-life balance. The company values transparent communication and client-first service, ensuring that employees are empowered to drive meaningful outcomes and develop their skills in a supportive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Molecular Biologist in London
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR. 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 Energy Jobline ZR!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Molecular Biologist in London
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 Energy Jobline ZR 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 Energy Jobline ZR.
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 Energy Jobline ZR 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 Energy Jobline ZR
✨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 Energy Jobline ZR. 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 Energy Jobline ZR'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 Energy Jobline ZR. This shows your passion for the industry!
