Scientist, Technology Unit

Our Organisation

IONTAS is the Cambridge site of FairJourney Biologics, which operates across three global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK and San Diego – USA). FairJourney Biologics is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges, and helping bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects using a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognised for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Scientist to join our Technology Unit (TU) on a 12-month fixed-term basis. This position provides maternity cover and takes forward key workstreams in in vivo antibody discovery and high-throughput single-cell screening platform development. The Technology Unit is the dedicated R&D arm of FairJourney Biologics, responsible for developing, optimising, and advancing the antibody discovery capabilities that underpin our client-facing programmes. You will contribute to our BCell Navigator platform – our in vivo antibody discovery capability and latest addition to our discovery platforms – and drive ongoing development of high-throughput single B cell screening technologies, including spectral flow cytometry (Discover S8) and microfluidics-based single-cell screening (Cyto-Mine Chroma). This is a fully on-site, lab-based role. You will work with a high degree of scientific independence, designing and executing experiments, troubleshooting technical challenges, and communicating findings clearly to the team and to senior management. A positive, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to hit the ground running are essential.

Why This Role

• Immediate access to cutting-edge platforms. You will work hands-on with the Discover S8 (spectral flow cytometry), Cyto-Mine Chroma (microfluidics-based single-cell screening), and a full suite of in vivo discovery tools from day one.
• Defined scope, real ownership. This is not a support or gap-fill role. You will own key development workstreams and your contributions will directly shape how our platforms evolve.
• A strong career asset. A year of high-quality, visible work at one of Europe’s leading antibody discovery CROs – alongside a world-class team – is a significant addition to any CV.
• Cambridge biotech community. Unity Campus is a growing life sciences hub. Colleagues, seminars, and networking opportunities are part of everyday working life here.
• Potential beyond 12 months. Depending on business needs and individual performance, there may be opportunities for role extension or transition to a permanent position within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• In vivo Antibody Discovery
• Lead and execute in vivo antibody discovery workflows, from immunisation strategy design through to primary immune tissue processing (splenocyte and lymph node isolation, B cell enrichment).
• Design and optimise single B cell isolation workflows from immunised animals using spectral flow cytometry (Discover S8) and/or microfluidics-based screening (Cyto-Mine Chroma).
• Apply knowledge of B cell biology, germinal centre responses, and antigen-specific B cell enrichment strategies to improve discovery efficiency.
• Perform VH/VL cloning and antibody expression from isolated single B cells for downstream screening and characterisation.
• High-Throughput Screening & Platform Development
• Operate and optimise the Cyto-Mine Chroma platform for single-cell antibody secretion assays and microfluidics-based cell handling.
• Design and execute multicolour FACS panels for B cell phenotyping, antigen-specific cell sorting, and viability screening.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of high-throughput screening workflows, including hit identification, data pipelines, and downstream processing.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies and reagents to advance platform capability.
• Technical Execution & Documentation
• Plan and execute experiments independently to agreed timelines, maintaining a high standard of reproducibility and accuracy.
• Accurately document all experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and experimental protocols to ensure workflow reproducibility.
• Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with scientists across the Technology Unit and Discovery & Engineering teams to progress shared development goals.
• Provide training and technical guidance to Research Associates and junior colleagues.
• Present experimental findings and progress updates to senior management and, where appropriate, at scientific conferences or partner meetings.

Your Profile

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology or a closely related life sciences discipline, with 3–6 years of directly relevant post-doctoral or industry experience in antibody discovery, high-throughput screening, or closely related areas. Candidates with a BSc or MSc and 6+ years of directly relevant hands-on industry experience will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience in in vivo antibody discovery workflows.
• Strong practical skills in high-throughput single-cell screening, with direct experience in multicolour flow cytometry and FACS-based cell sorting.
• Experience with high-throughput single-cell screening technologies; hands-on experience with microfluidics-based platforms (e.g. Cyto-Mine Chroma or equivalent) and/or spectral flow cytometry (e.g. Discover S8 or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Solid molecular biology skills including DNA cloning, PCR, VH/VL gene amplification, vector construction, and plasmid preparation.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture, including primary immune cell handling and culture.
• Experience with plate-based immunoassays for antibody detection and quantification (e.g. ELISA, ELISpot, or equivalent).
• Excellent data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and deliver to deadlines.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Diligent scientific documentation and ELN record-keeping.

Nice to Have

• Experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Background in antibody display technologies (phage, mammalian, or yeast display).
• Experience with automated liquid handling or high-throughput laboratory workflows.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis (e.g. SnapGene, IMGT, or similar).
• Experience mentoring or training junior laboratory colleagues.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering and optimisation approaches.

We Offer

• Be Part of a Global Team
• Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies
• Competitive Benefits
• A Culture That Empowers

If you're ready to take the next step in your career path, we’d love to hear from you!