At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery projects and develop advanced cell technologies.
- Company: LifeArc, a pioneering life sciences organisation focused on impactful patient solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, generous annual leave, private health insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and personal growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through cutting-edge research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD in cell biology or related field with strong lab experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Location: Stevenage
Job Type: Fixed Term Contract – 14 months
Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you.
About the role:
As senior scientist within LifeArc’s Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (MCP) department, you will be part of a diverse group of scientists with a wealth of experience in the preclinical phase of drug discovery. MCP focuses on developing and applying bespoke biological cell-based assays for characterisation and screening of therapeutic assets, providing a deep understanding of their complex mechanism of action to support LifeArc’s ambitious goals to benefit patients and to make life science life changing.
This lab-based role will support advanced cell technologies and oligonucleotide therapeutic projects within LifeArc's preclinical portfolio, helping to drive high-impact drug discovery to impact patients with unmet medical needs.
A key objective of this role is to strengthen and expand internal capabilities in RNA-targeting therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The successful candidate will bring expertise that complements existing team strengths and will play an important role in developing capability, sharing knowledge, and supporting the adoption of new approaches across the wider group.
The role will involve developing and applying complex cellular models, including iPSC-derived systems where appropriate, designing and executing translational assays, generating high-quality data packages, and contributing to target validation, therapeutic characterisation, and asset progression. The successful candidate will work closely with internal project teams and external collaborators, including partners across academia and industry.
The ideal candidate will have experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Drug discovery and preclinical development of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
- Development and application of iPSC-derived cellular models
- Design and execution of phenotypic, molecular, and cellular profiling assays
- Neurobiology, neurodegeneration, or neurological disease research
Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not possess experience across all these areas. We are seeking an individual with strong scientific leadership, experimental expertise, and a desire to contribute to project delivery.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of scientific experiments to deliver project objectives and generate high-quality data.
- Analyse, interpret, and present research findings, providing clear recommendations to support scientific decision-making.
- Contribute to scientific strategy and project planning, advising on experimental approaches, priorities, resource requirements, and timelines.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, providing technical expertise, guidance, and support across projects.
- Maintain the highest standards of scientific quality, documentation, compliance, and laboratory safety in line with organisational policies and procedures.
About you:
Essential
- PhD in cell biology or similar with significant postdoctoral, biotech, or pharmaceutical industry experience, or equivalent industrial experience.
- Strong laboratory experience in cellular pharmacology, molecular biology, drug discovery, or a related field.
- Proven ability to independently design, execute, analyse and communicate complex experiments.
- Experience developing and implementing novel assays or experimental approaches.
- Strong scientific problem-solving skills and a track record of project delivery.
- Experience mentoring, coaching or supervising junior scientists.
Desirable
- Experience working with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA, RNA-targeted therapeutics, or related modalities would be highly advantageous.
- Experience developing and working with iPSC-derived cellular models.
- Experience in neurobiology, neurodegeneration, or neurological disease research.
- Experience with high-content imaging, transcriptomics, qRT-PCR, western blotting, or other translational profiling approaches.
- Experience supporting external collaborations and multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
- Experience transferring specialist knowledge and building capability within scientific teams.
About us:
At LifeArc, our ambition is to make life science life changing. We do this by advancing scientific discoveries beyond the lab, faster, so that they can shape the next generation of diagnostics, treatments, and cures. Working at the cutting edge of translational science and as the early-stage translation specialists, we progress scientific discoveries on their journey to becoming a medicine, diagnostic or intervention that improve patients’ lives.
What we can offer you:
Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of ‘putting patients at the centre of everything we do’. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, flexible, equitable and happy work environment so our colleagues can thrive as their truest selves. We act with courage, curiosity, care & commitment to deliver quality & excellence for our patients and each other.
Join us, and you’ll be given the scope to develop your professional skills and experience in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.
Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles. We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.
Senior Scientist - Advanced Cell Technologies - 14 month Maternity Cover in Stevenage employer: LifeArc
LifeArc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that prioritises impactful contributions to life sciences, particularly in rare diseases. Employees benefit from comprehensive perks such as private health insurance and a generous pension scheme, alongside a culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration within a dedicated team. Joining LifeArc means being part of a mission-driven organisation where your work truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist - Advanced Cell Technologies - 14 month Maternity Cover in Stevenage
✨Join Biotechnology Meetups
Get yourself into the loop by joining local biotech meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections with professionals in the field and can often lead to temporary gigs through word-of-mouth. Plus, you'll get to hear about the latest trends and developments directly from the source.
✨Showcase Your Passion in Science
Consider starting a blog or social media channel to showcase your interest in biotechnology. Share the latest research, your insights, and even your projects. This will not only enhance your visibility in the community but also attract potential employers like LifeArc who might be scrolling through for talent.
✨Tap into University Resources
If you’re still in school or recently graduated, don’t forget to use your university’s career services. They often have exclusive connections with companies looking for temporary staff. Reach out to them for internship listings and networking opportunities tailored to the biotech sector.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you spot that perfect temporary role at LifeArc, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll be in the best position to get noticed quickly and can show your enthusiasm for the role while filling out the application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist - Advanced Cell Technologies - 14 month Maternity Cover in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Lab Skills:In the biotech world, your lab skills are paramount. Make sure your CV highlights specific techniques and equipment you’ve used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cell culture. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to LifeArc as a temporary teammate.
Highlight Your Research Experience:If you’ve worked on any research projects — whether during your studies or in previous positions — make sure to detail these in your application. Include the objective, your role, and what you achieved. This will help us see your potential and fit for the temporary position at LifeArc.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Especially for a temporary role, we want to see a clear and focused application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the biotech field and the specific role at LifeArc. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and capable.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since it’s a temporary role, let us know right away when you’re available to start and how long you can commit. Include this in your cover letter — this kind of transparency saves us all time and helps us find the right fit quickly at LifeArc.
How to prepare for a job interview at LifeArc
✨Brush Up on Your Biotech Basics
Understanding the fundamental concepts in biotechnology is crucial. Be ready to discuss core topics like genetics, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, especially if you're asked technical questions. We suggest revisiting your coursework or recent projects to refresh your memory.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, they’re likely looking for someone who can jump in and get up to speed quickly. Share experiences where you’ve adapted to new environments, tools, or teams in a short space of time. It shows you're ready to tackle the challenge head-on!
✨Emphasise Your Lab Experience
If you’ve got hands-on experience in lab settings, now’s the time to showcase it. Talk about specific techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, and any relevant safety protocols you’ve followed. These details help paint you as an effective team member from day one.
✨Be Prepared to Explain Your Passion
Hiring managers want to see your motivation, especially for a temporary position in a fast-paced field like biotechnology. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the industry, your career goals, and how this role at LifeArc aligns with them. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a stepping stone in your biotech journey.
