Senior Research Associate

Our Organization IONTAS is part of the FairJourney Biologics family, which operates across four global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK, San Francisco 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 recognized 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 a motivated and technically skilled Senior Research Associate (SRA) to join our Technology Unit (TU) – the dedicated Research & Development function of FairJourney Biologics / IONTAS at our South Cambridgeshire site. The Technology Unit is responsible for developing, optimising, and advancing the antibody discovery platform capabilities that underpin our client-facing discovery programmes.

As an SRA in the Technology Unit, you will work alongside senior scientists to improve and expand our antibody discovery toolbox, with a particular focus on single B cell screening, mammalian display, and phage display workflows. This is an independently executed, hands-on laboratory role requiring a strong foundation in cell biology and molecular biology, with a can-do mindset and appetite for scientific problem-solving.

You will be expected to design and execute experiments with a good degree of independence, contribute to the development of robust protocols and SOPs, and communicate findings clearly to your team. Experience or familiarity with antibody discovery technologies is a significant advantage, though we welcome candidates with strong core laboratory skills who are eager to develop in this area. This is a fully on-site, lab-based role – ideal for scientists who thrive at the bench and enjoy contributing to cutting-edge capability development in a collaborative, science-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Platform Development & Capability Improvement Execute laboratory experiments supporting the development and optimisation of antibody discovery technologies, including single B cell screening, mammalian display, and phage display workflows.
• Contribute to the evaluation and integration of novel tools, reagents, and methodologies into existing discovery platforms.
• Support the establishment and improvement of cell-based and molecular biology workflows to enhance platform throughput, sensitivity, and reproducibility.
• Technical Execution & Documentation Independently plan and execute experimental work to agreed timelines, with a high standard of reproducibility and accuracy.
• Accurately document all experimental work in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of SOPs and experimental protocols.
• Collaboration & Communication Work closely with scientists across the Technology Unit and Discovery & Engineering teams to support shared development goals.
• Provide regular updates on experimental progress to project leads and the Technology Unit team.
• Contribute to training and mentoring of junior Research Associates where appropriate.
• Data Analysis & Reporting Collect, analyse, and interpret experimental data to support technology development decision-making.
• Present findings and progress clearly at internal team meetings and scientific reviews.

Your Profile

• MSc (or BSc with significant post-graduation experience) in a life sciences discipline such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 - 3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research environment.
• Strong practical skills in mammalian cell culture (tissue culture), including experience working with cell lines; primary cell experience is advantageous.
• Solid molecular biology skills, including PCR (standard and qPCR), DNA cloning, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid purification.
• Experience with standard immunoassays such as ELISA for antibody or protein detection and quantification.
• Excellent attention to detail and a disciplined approach to scientific record-keeping.
• Good organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data and findings to the team.
• Collaborative and positive mindset, with a willingness to learn and contribute to a dynamic R&D team.

Nice to Have

• Experience in an antibody discovery setting (phage display, mammalian display, single B cell, hybridoma, or similar).
• Familiarity with antibody molecular biology (e.g. VH/VL gene cloning, expression of antibody fragments).
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and/or FACS-based cell sorting.
• Knowledge of microfluidics-based screening approaches.
• Experience with additional protein analysis methods (e.g. SDS-PAGE, Western blot, BLI/SPR).

We Offer

• Be Part of a Global Team By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, San Francisco and San Diego. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights and contribute to ground breaking antibody projects.
• Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and became part of the FairJourney Biologics family in 2020. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.
• Career Development & Growth As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.
• Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site. Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients and the broader scientific community.
• Competitive Benefits Attractive salary & life insurance. Generous parental leave policies. Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a cafe and a vibrant social community.
• A Culture That Empowers We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.

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