At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and execute bioassays to characterise biological activity and immune responses.
- Company: Join Sail Biomedicines, a pioneer in programmable medicines transforming patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic lab setting with strong focus on collaboration and scientific integrity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge science and innovative medicine development.
- Qualifications: M.S./PhD in relevant field with hands-on lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
About Sail:
Sail Biomedicines is pioneering the integrative design and deployment of fully programmable medicines to transform patient care. Sail's platform combines first-in-class programmable circular RNA technology (Endless RNA™ or eRNA), and an industry-leading platform of programmable nanoparticles, utilizing natural components, to unlock comprehensive programming of medicines for the first time. By leveraging cutting-edge eRNA and nanoparticle deployment technology, Sail is also making unparalleled use of AI techniques to identify and design fully programmable medicines that are potent, targeted, versatile, and tunable. Sail was founded by Flagship Pioneering.
The Role:
Sail Biomedicines is seeking a motivated Scientist I to join our Preclinical and Translational Assays team. This role will develop, optimize, and execute bioassays to characterize biological activity, mechanism, and immune responses for candidates enabled by Sail’s eRNA™
This is a lab-based, onsite role with substantial hands-on experimental work, collaborative problem-solving, and close partnership with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in Automation, mammalian cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, serology/immunoassays, qPCR, and excellent scientific documentation. Working within the team, you will generate high-quality data, troubleshoot assays, and contribute to advancing Sail’s platform and pipeline.
Responsibilities:
Bioassay Development & Execution
- Develop, optimize, and execute cell-based and immunoassay workflows and pharmacology readouts (e.g., potency/functional assays, biomarker assays, serology).
- Design and build multiparameter flow cytometry panels (marker selection, antibody titrations, controls, compensation, gating strategy) for preclinical in vivo study readouts and human PBMC samples.
- Develop and run serology assays (e.g., binding antibody, neutralization/surrogate neutralization where applicable, cytokine/chemokine readouts) using ELISA, MSD, or related platforms.
- Qualify/validate assays as appropriate: establish accuracy/precision, sensitivity, range, robustness, and implement cross-study controls and reference standards.
- Own assay readiness: generate SOPs, templates, and training materials; ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer.
Sample Operations & Study Support
- Coordinate sample receipt, accessioning, and tracking from internal studies and CRO-supported work; maintain chain-of-custody, storage conditions, and inventory.
- Perform sample processing (e.g., human and NHP PBMC isolation, plasma/serum handling), ensuring consistency and biosafety compliance.
Data, Documentation & Collaboration
- Analyze, interpret, and summarize data; maintain rigorous records in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and associated databases.
- Present findings internally (lab meetings, project teams) with clear conclusions, limitations, and next steps.
- Partner with cross-functional teams e.g. Immunology, Analytics, and Computational/AI teams to define assay requirements, experimental design, and data structure/metadata.
- Contribute to reports, tech memos, and experiments that support IP and regulatory-facing documentation where relevant.
- Manage multiple concurrent experiments while maintaining high standards for lab safety, quality, and timelines.
Required Qualifications:
- M.S./PhD in Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
- 2–4+ years relevant laboratory experience (industry preferred).
- Hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, mammalian cell culture; experience with one or more of: Automation, PBMC isolation, qPCR, ELISA/MSD, or related immunoassays.
- Working knowledge of assay development principles (controls, standard curves, variability, qualification/validation concepts).
- Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills; able to optimize protocols and document changes clearly.
- Excellent organization and time management; able to prioritize and execute in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written/verbal communication, including presenting data and writing concise summaries.
- Self-directed, collaborative, detail-oriented; demonstrates scientific curiosity and integrity.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Lab Automation including but not limited to Liquid Handlers (Hamilton, Biomek)
- Experience working with non-human primate (NHP) samples and associated biosafety practices.
- Basic working knowledge of biostatistics (e.g., variability, curve fitting, outlier handling, assay acceptance criteria).
- Experience with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint); familiarity with ELN best practices.
- Experience in a matrixed project environment supporting multiple programs.
Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000
Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Scientist I in Cambridge employer: sail biomedicines
Sail Biomedicines is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. Located in a cutting-edge facility, employees benefit from hands-on experience with pioneering technologies and the opportunity to contribute to transformative patient care solutions. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, Sail fosters a culture of scientific curiosity and integrity, ensuring that team members are supported in their development while working alongside industry leaders in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist I in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like sail biomedicines. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like sail biomedicines!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist I in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show sail biomedicines that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at sail biomedicines.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that sail biomedicines does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at sail biomedicines
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at sail biomedicines. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into sail biomedicines's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at sail biomedicines. This shows your passion for the industry!
