Cell Biologist

Full-time role: 37.5 hours per week over the course of 5 days. Pencil Biosciences is a seed stage biotech company developing the novel Break Free TM gene editing platform. The proprietary gene editor offers unique platform properties including an unparalleled safety profile with applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, and cell engineering.

Pencil is developing an in vivo gene editing therapeutics program and as an experienced cell biologist you will be expected to facilitate the transition from proof of concept in mammalian cell lines into the primary cell. You will also be expected to run tests to support the pre-clinical model work in relation to payload formulation and analyse cargo delivery into cells and cellular organelles. This is a key role for the company in applying the technology in the target organs. It is an on-site hands-on technical role where extensive experience is required.

The role will sit within an experienced team of gene editors, molecular biologists and protein engineers, and will require a can-do attitude and adept communication across different disciplines. It also requires process development and the ability to transfer knowledge to internal and external teams. First-hand gene editing experience is required but does not need to be extensive at this stage.

You will drive forward such activities as:

• Cell biology: in various cell lines and types; include that of hepatocytes and lymphocytes
• Primary cell and tissue: including the culturing of cells from human, primate, and mouse primary tissues
• Protocol development: biochemical assays and assessment of delivery cargos for key primary cell types
• In vivo model lead: Lead or support outsourced pre-clinical model work for both healthy and disease models
• Technology evaluations: Lead the developing assays for external technology evaluations for assessment with 3rd party partners

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• PhD in life sciences with 5-10 years of experience in cell biology or a similar discipline; extensive experience (>10 years) without a PhD will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• >3 years Industry experience required for this role
• Strong technical background in primary cell biology and handling primary cells from tissues; including experience handling hepatocytes primary cells
• Background in delivering nucleic acid payloads into cells by varied methodologies
• Experience in intracellular compartment analysis and reagent tracking
• A careful approach to lab work with meticulous attention to detail with excellent aseptic technique
• Basic working knowledge of gene editing methods and how to apply them in different cell types
• Process development experience and demonstrated ability to generate standard operating procedures for both internal and external use
• Experience in supporting in vivo mouse model work for drug development
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, working across a multidisciplinary team
• Strong communicator and able to work within a close-knit results driven team

Nice to have:

• Have performed gene editing (such as CRISPR) experiments in tissue isolated primary cells
• Experience within a laboratory developing pre-clinical data packs for CTA/IND-filing
• Familiarity with CTA or IND-filing documentation process
• First-hand experience of successfully delivering projects on time with CROs
• Good practical working experience with flow cytometry and being able to generate panels for multiplex analysis

Pencil Biosciences perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Intellectually stimulating working environment
• An opportunity to learn both business and science
• Excellent growth opportunities

This position will appeal to individuals looking for the challenge of building a technology and being able to take it and move it towards a clinic. We are a small team and have a range of specialists, as such we are looking for people to drive the work and independently take charge of key scientific areas.

Location: Our office and lab facilities are located in Alderley Park, Cheshire, an established life science campus south of Manchester in beautiful Cheshire. In addition to the world-class laboratory and office facilities, it offers a multitude of recreational amenities including gym, trails, pub, restaurants and cafes.