Senior Scientist in Bristol

Location: University of Bath

Hours of Work: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Dependent on experience and qualifications

Expected start date: From September 2026 onwards

Closing date for applications: About 2 weeks after this initial posting

The Company

Revolver Therapeutics is a drug discovery company based in Bath. Our mission is to develop next-generation peptide therapeutics that target transcription factors, which are key molecular pathways. Transcription Factors have traditionally been deemed “undruggable”, but novel inhibitors can be identified by using our innovative peptide discovery platform, which leverages our proprietary Transcription Block Survival (TBS) assay to rapidly generate functional inhibitors. The company was spun out from the University of Bath in 2023, from the lab of Prof. Jody Mason. We are backed by investors (Future Planet Capital, o2h Ventures, Quantx) and have received an Innovate UK grant to develop peptide therapeutics targeting childhood gliomas, in collaboration with the Institute of Cancer Research. This is an exciting time to join our team as we expand our cutting-edge peptide therapeutics technology. We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven team-player to join us and contribute to our expanding pipeline. Our lab is located at the University of Bath, where we have access to all the equipment and infrastructure needed to excel in this role, but we operate as an independent company.

The Role

You will play a key part in supporting the development of our peptide discovery platform, Transcription Block Survival (TBS). Your role will be responsible for building, maintaining and screening a catalogue of genetically encoded peptide libraries, using our TBS methodology. Your role will be engaged in all elements of our screening pathway, from applying molecular biology techniques (library design, cloning and screening), through to synthesising the peptides and in vitro biophysical analysis. We are seeking excellent candidates with a relevant degree, such as a BSc, MSc, or PhD in a related scientific field (e.g., molecular biology, peptide chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, etc), ideally with an additional 1-3+ years of experimental experience in an industrial setting. We welcome applications from ambitious individuals with an interest in translating laboratory-based research into real-world applications. As a small company, we highly value adaptability and flexibility. This job description is dynamic and may evolve based on the company’s needs.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and screen peptide libraries to support a growing R&D programme.
• Apply molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, recombinant expression, mutagenesis to support peptide discovery and characterisation.
• Assist with various aspects of research conducted in the laboratory, as needed.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, maintaining accurate records and presenting findings to the team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including cancer biologists, chemical biologists and chemists.
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Contribute to the development and optimisation of laboratory protocols.
• Maintain a safe and organised laboratory environment.

Relevant skills & experience

Essential

• Extensive practical "hands-on" laboratory experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficient in planning and executing experimental work plans
• Accurate record-keeping of experimental procedures and data
• Effective communication with a wide variety of internal and external collaborators
• Ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining scientific rigour

Desirable

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA/RNA manipulation, bacterial expression systems)
• Experience with peptide synthesis (solid-phase and/or solution-phase) and purification (HPLC, LC-MS)
• Experience with in vitro biophysical analysis (e.g. ITC, CD, fluorescent based assays)
• Experience of genetically encoded peptide library screening
• Experience of next-generation sequencing
• Knowledge of human cell biology and oncology
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team in an early-stage company
• Experience collaborating with external partners and CROs
• Experience in an industrial drug discovery environment.

Relevant Qualifications

PhD in a related scientific field (e.g., molecular biology, peptide chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, etc.) and/or a Master’s or BSc in a related scientific field, with 1-2 equivalent experimental experience.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, including a customised cover letter, in response to this posting on LinkedIn only. The deadline for applications is approximately 2 weeks after the date of this posting but may be extended depending on circumstances. Applications will only be accepted through LinkedIn to ensure a fair process.

In order to qualify for this position, you must already be authorised to live and work in the UK. If you are applying from outside of the UK, you must state in your cover letter your right to work status. Please confirm this as part of your formal application. Revolver Therapeutics is an equal opportunities employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.