Scientist in Oxford

Nucleome Therapeutics is unlocking the power of the human non-coding genome to drive breakthroughs in immune-mediated and complex diseases. We combine high-resolution maps of 3D genome architecture with functional genomics, advanced sequencing technologies and computational innovation to reveal novel regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets. We are seeking a Scientist to join our growing Functional Genomics team and play a key role in therapeutic target identification and validation. The role will allow you to continue expanding our suite of primary cell CRISPR workflows, develop bespoke genetic and phenotypic assays for target validation and collaborate closely with our drug discovery team to unlock novel therapeutic programs. This role is ideal for a functional genomics scientist with experience applying CRISPR or orthogonal perturbation tools to complex primary cell systems.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to investigate target gene function and mechanism in primary human cells, including designing experimental approaches and controls, optimising protocols to improve data quality and reproducibility, and troubleshooting technical challenges independently, with input from senior colleagues where needed.
• Contribute to the development and optimisation of CRISPR-based and other perturbation methods in primary cells.
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines, including working closely with drug discovery to validate and prioritise targets to expand the therapeutic development pipeline, partnering with computational scientists to co-design experiments, define analysis requirements, and ensure robust data generation.
• Communicate findings clearly through presentations and written reports to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Interpret and contextualise experimental results, contributing to study conclusions and next-step recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and well-organised records of experimental design, data, and outcomes, ensuring reproducibility and alignment with internal standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in the lab, including adopting new technologies, refining workflows, and supporting best practices in experimental design and execution.
• Follow best laboratory practices, including maintaining equipment, managing samples, and adhering to safety and quality standards.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Essential:

• A PhD in functional genomics, a related discipline or equivalent industry experience.
• Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following: CRISPR, RNAi or other perturbation tool approaches.
• Experience in working with primary cell types or other complex cellular systems.
• Ability to design and run high-quality experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps and identify alternative approaches.
• Ability to develop and improve new skills and knowledge necessary to successfully support assigned projects.
• Ability to work independently as well as thrive working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate complex ideas to specialists and non-specialists.

Desirable:

• Background in applying functional genomics techniques (or similar) to immune cells and/or investigating immune related disorders.
• Knowledge of the drug-discovery process and/or industry experience.
• Experience using advanced CRISPR tools such as prime editing or high throughput screens.
• Experience in NGS assays e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell outputs.