Senior Research Associate - Protein Biotherapeutics (6 months Fixed-Term)

Senior Research Associate - Protein Biotherapeutics (6 months Fixed-Term)

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ensocell

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our discovery team to develop next-gen therapies in a hands-on lab role.
  • Company: Fast-growing biotech start-up focused on precision biologics and innovative science.
  • Benefits: Collaborative culture, professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages curiosity.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research and contribute to transformative medicines.
  • Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant field with hands-on experience in protein biotherapeutics.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

We are a fast-growing biotech start-up focusing on next-generation precision biologics, driven by science, collaboration, and curiosity. We are looking for a hands‑on Senior Research Associate, in Protein Biotherapeutics, to join our discovery team and advance the development of next-generation therapies. This is a lab-based role suited for someone who enjoys variety, ownership, and being deeply involved in day-to-day experimental work while actively contributing to scientific discussions.

What you will do

  • As a Senior Research Associate, you will be an integral part of our discovery and biotherapeutics efforts, with responsibilities spanning molecular biology, protein engineering, and protein characterisation (training will be provided where necessary):
  • Design, express, purify, and characterise recombinant proteins and antibody‑based molecules
  • Perform and optimise protein purification workflows using chromatography techniques including affinity, ion exchange, and SEC
  • Conduct biophysical and biochemical characterisation of proteins using techniques such as SPR, ELISA, SDS‑PAGE, HPLC, DLS, and thermal stability assays
  • Design and execute SPR experiments to evaluate binding kinetics, affinity, and epitope interactions
  • Support protein engineering campaigns including mutagenesis, construct design, sequence analysis, and optimisation of protein properties
  • Contribute to computational or structure‑guided protein design activities where appropriate
  • Maintain laboratory instruments and ensure smooth day‑to‑day lab operations
  • Accurately document experiments, analyse data, and contribute to internal reports
  • Establish and improve protocols
  • Actively participate in scientific discussions, data reviews, and project meetings
  • Collaborate closely with colleagues across the company

What we are looking for

  • BSc, MSc, or equivalent experience (≥3 yrs) in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
  • Hands‑on experience with SPR platforms (e.g. Biacore)
  • Strong background in protein purification and analytical characterisation
  • Knowledge of protein engineering principles and molecular biology techniques
  • Experience with recombinant protein expression in mammalian systems
  • Familiarity with protein design tools, structural biology, or in‑silico analysis is advantageous
  • Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and comfortable in performing multiple tasks
  • A proactive and flexible mindset
  • Strong communication skills and enjoyment of working in a collaborative and social team environment

About Ensocell

Ensocell is a new venture capital‑backed life science company at the intersection of single cell genomics, spatial genomics, AI, and drug discovery. Our mission is to decode the complexities of human disease biology, identify novel therapeutic intervention points, and develop precision therapeutics targeting these intervention points to create transformational new medicines. At Ensocell, we foster a vital, interdisciplinary, and collaborative scientific culture. We are seeking talented, highly motivated, and intellectually curious individuals to join our team and share in our mission. Ensocell supports a welcoming and inclusive work environment that encourages openness and diversity.

Senior Research Associate - Protein Biotherapeutics (6 months Fixed-Term) employer: Ensocell

At Ensocell, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative biotech start-up that champions scientific collaboration and curiosity. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful research while contributing to groundbreaking therapies. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to transforming medicine.

Ensocell

Contact Details:

Ensocell Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate - Protein Biotherapeutics (6 months Fixed-Term)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the biotech field, especially those working in protein biotherapeutics. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with techniques like SPR or protein purification, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of your work to discussions or even share relevant projects on platforms like LinkedIn to catch the eye of potential employers.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ensocell, and express your interest in their work. A well-timed email can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Make sure your application reflects your passion for science and collaboration, and don’t forget to follow up after submitting to keep your name fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - Protein Biotherapeutics (6 months Fixed-Term)

Molecular Biology
Protein Engineering
Protein Characterisation
Chromatography Techniques
Biophysical Characterisation
Biochemical Characterisation
SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your hands-on experience with protein purification and molecular biology techniques, as these are key to what we’re looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about protein biotherapeutics and how your background aligns with our mission. Show us your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role – we love a good story!

Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since collaboration is at the heart of what we do, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with others in a lab setting. We want to see that you thrive in a social team environment and enjoy contributing to scientific discussions.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ensocell

Know Your Science

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of protein biotherapeutics and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with SPR platforms, protein purification, and any relevant molecular biology techniques. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience too.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the lab. Whether it's optimising a protein purification workflow or troubleshooting an experiment, having specific anecdotes ready will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to think critically under pressure.

Engage in Scientific Discussions

Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to actively participate in discussions during the interview. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or methodologies, and share your thoughts on recent advancements in protein engineering. This will highlight your curiosity and eagerness to contribute to the team.

Demonstrate Organisational Skills

Given the variety of tasks involved, it’s essential to showcase your organisational abilities. Discuss how you manage multiple projects, document experiments accurately, and maintain lab operations. Providing examples of how you’ve improved protocols or streamlined processes will set you apart as a detail-oriented candidate.