At a Glance
- Tasks: Support AAV production and mammalian cell culture in a dynamic biotech environment.
- Company: Innovative biotech company in Cambridge with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private pension, healthcare, and career progression.
- Other info: Ideal for recent graduates looking to make an impact in biotechnology.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and contribute to groundbreaking gene therapy projects.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in biology and experience in mammalian cell culture and transfections.
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Full-time and permanent
Sector: Biotechnology
Salary: £29,000 - £33,000 depending on experience and interview performance.
Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA, providing exciting possibilities to manufacture cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs for use in gene therapies than traditional plasmid-based methods. They also run drug discovery projects within the gene therapy sector using adeno-associated viruses (AAV). In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to bring a Junior Scientist into the team to support the AAV and cell biology section of the business. This role will require the successful candidate to have previous post-graduate experience in mammalian cell culture and transfection experience, ideally some AAV production experience.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity for a junior scientist who holds a BSc/MSc in a Biology focused role with at least one year of experience within a post-graduate role. This can be gained during your degree, or in industry. This role will involve the following:
- Mammalian cell culture, both adherent and suspension culture to product AAVs. This is an upstream focused position.
- Conducting transfections (electroporation, transient, lipid-based, PEI etc)
- Maintain cell cultures including HEK293 and other cell types.
- Improve in-house processes for AAV production.
- Characterisation of AAVs (occasionally).
- Maintain lab equipment whilst complying with company health and safety practices.
Skills and Experience Needed
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- BSc / MSc in a biology / biotechnology discipline (essential, equivalent experience is fine).
- 1 year of post-graduate experience in mammalian cell culture work, ideally adherent and suspension (essential).
- 1 year of post-graduate experience in transfections (plasmids containing the components to make AAV – often done via PEI, electroporation or lipid based methods) (essential).
- Experience working with bioreactors (desired).
- Previous AAV production and characterisation experience (desired).
- Indefinite right to work in the UK without need for visa sponsorship now, or in the future (essential).
The Package
As an up-and-coming Cambridge Biotech, our client is able to offer a competitive salary, progression options and benefits package including private pension and private healthcare.
Scientist: Upstream Mammalian in Cambridge employer: Taylorollinson
Join an innovative biotechnology company in Cambridge that is at the forefront of gene therapy advancements. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to competitive salaries, private healthcare, and a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. This role not only offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology but also provides a pathway for career progression in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist: Upstream Mammalian 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 Taylorollinson. 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 Taylorollinson!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist: Upstream Mammalian 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 Taylorollinson 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 Taylorollinson.
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 Taylorollinson 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 Taylorollinson
✨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 Taylorollinson. 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 Taylorollinson'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 Taylorollinson. This shows your passion for the industry!
