At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Biology Automation team to develop and run cutting-edge automated assays.
- Company: Innovative biotech company focused on transforming drug discovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, equity compensation, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for personal growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while working with advanced automation technology.
- Qualifications: BSc/HND in Biology or related field; interest in automation and laboratory techniques.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 52000 £ per year.
Your work will change lives. Including your own. We are expanding our in‑vitro pharmacology capabilities at our Milton Park site and are seeking a motivated and dynamic early career scientist to join the Biology Automation team and Primary Pharmacology group. In this role, you will work on a leading‑edge automation platform, helping to push laboratory automation towards autonomous science and entirely hands‑free assay execution. You will work within the team to ensure that the large‑scale automation platform meets its objectives and that all our automated assays are fit‑for‑purpose and appropriately quality‑controlled.
You will regularly run biochemical and cell‑based screening assays that deliver high‑quality data to project teams and learn how to develop and validate new assays. This includes being responsible for analysing and reporting data while providing interpretation and context in project team meetings, as well as troubleshooting any issues with assays and equipment.
In this role, you will:
- Develop and run automated, semi‑automated and manual biochemical and cell‑based assays, to help drive development of small molecule therapeutics with a focus on compound characterisation and the rapid identification of candidate molecules.
- Implement latest scientific developments and evaluate new technologies.
- Collaborate with cross functional project teams to drive drug discovery programs forward by producing decision‑making data in a timely manner.
- Engage in continual learning and development, gaining exposure to multiple scientific disciplines and the drug discovery process, from initial target identification through to candidate selection.
- Innovate in a truly leading‑edge automation laboratory, pushing the boundaries of drug discovery and laboratory automation.
The Team You’ll Join: You will join the Primary Pharmacology group as part of a small team focused mainly on laboratory automation, but also providing key assay data of our own to project teams. The group provides critical data, driving multiple drug discovery projects within multidisciplinary project teams. We work on a range of target classes that could include kinases, proteases, epigenetic targets, or protein:protein interactions etc. Our work covers indications including but not limited to Oncology, Neurology, and Immunology/Inflammation, often in areas of highly novel biology. These positions are primarily laboratory‑based and offer significant scope for personal growth and continual learning across a range of activities dependent on your experience and ambition.
The Experience You’ll Need:
- Education: BSc/HND in Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
- Technical Knowledge: A good understanding of Enzyme kinetics (e.g., Michaelis‑Menten kinetics and mechanism of action studies) and data analysis regarding dose‑response relationships.
- Assay Technologies: Practical understanding of biochemical techniques and technologies such as Fluorescence, Luminescence, FRET, and Fluorescence Polarisation (FP).
- Automation Interest: A keen interest in automation, robotics, and laboratory liquid handling.
- Soft Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to a non‑specialist audience.
- Adaptability: Flexible, adaptable, and able to work across multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
Nice to have:
- Some work experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Experience of Medium or High Throughput Screening (HTS) and in‑vitro assay development, assay optimisation and validation.
- Previous use of automation or liquid handling equipment.
Working Location & Compensation: This is a lab‑based role in our Milton Park site. Employees are expected to work on‑site 100% of the time, with occasional flexibility. Based on the skill and level of experience required for this role, the estimated current annual base range for this role is £41,000 to £52,000. You will also be eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation, as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Research Associate - Biology Automation Milton Park, England employer: Recursion
At our Milton Park site, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where early career scientists can thrive. As a Research Associate in Biology Automation, you will not only contribute to groundbreaking drug discovery but also benefit from extensive learning opportunities and a supportive team culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. With competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and a focus on employee development, we are dedicated to making your work experience both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Biology Automation Milton Park, England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their work in drug discovery and automation, and think about how your skills can contribute. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Being able to explain complex scientific concepts in simple terms is key. Try explaining your past projects to friends or family to get comfortable with it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Biology Automation Milton Park, England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your understanding of enzyme kinetics and any relevant assay technologies you've worked with. We want to see how you can contribute to our Biology Automation team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for laboratory automation and drug discovery. Let us know why you're excited about this role and how your background in biology or biochemistry makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Don’t forget to mention your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. We value adaptability and teamwork, so give examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past. This will help us see how you’ll fit into our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining StudySmarter and being part of our mission to change lives!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recursion
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your understanding of enzyme kinetics and assay technologies. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the role, especially in relation to biochemical and cell-based assays. Showing that you can connect theory to practice will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Automation Enthusiasm
Since this role focuses on laboratory automation, express your keen interest in automation and robotics. Share any relevant experiences or projects where you've used automation or liquid handling equipment, even if it's from your studies or internships.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
Expect questions about data analysis and dose-response relationships. Prepare examples of how you've analysed data in the past, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
This position involves working within multidisciplinary project teams, so highlight your interpersonal and communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in a fast-paced environment, and be prepared to discuss them.
