At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a DNA Scientist, optimising molecular biology experiments and supporting product development.
- Company: We're an innovative biotech company in Cambridge, revolutionising DNA synthesis for gene therapy projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private pension, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team making a real impact in biotechnology and gene therapy.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Biology/Biochemistry with 1+ year lab experience; expertise in DNA techniques required.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive team culture and exciting growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Full-time and permanent
Sector: Biotechnology
Salary: £26,000 - £35,000 depending on experience and interview performance
Work Hours: 40 hrs a week, Monday to Friday (09:00 – 17:30)
Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA which provides exciting possibilities for ensuring cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs than traditional plasmid-based methods. They work with external partners to develop gene therapy projects and have some internal projects too. Additionally they have AAV and Lipid-nanoparticle technology platforms in-house. In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to bring a DNA Scientist to their process development team on a full-time and permanent basis.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity suitable for a BSc / MSc holder in a Biological discipline, alongside additional laboratory experience (either in industry or academia). As a DNA Scientist, you will be responsible for:
- Supporting the process development and tech transfer functions with synthetic DNA projects.
- Validating and optimising various molecular biology and biochemistry experiments to enable efficient product development and transfer to manufacturing. This may include: DNA handling, PCR, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, TFF, AKTA purification (ion exchange, affinity chromatography, size exclusion etc), DNA quantification (nanodrop / Qubit) etc.
- Optimise and improve processes within the DNA team, working alongside other teams including R&D and manufacturing.
- Record scientific data in accordance with company policy and presenting data to internal teams.
- Attending company / team meetings.
Skills and Experience Needed
The ideal candidate will have the following:
- BSc / MSc in Biology / Biochemistry and an additional 1+ year of laboratory experience gained in academia or industry (essential, equivalent experience okay)
- Must have proven experience in designing experiments and planning experiment schedules (essential)
- Prior experience in DNA and molecular biology, with experience in some of the following techniques: micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification (Spectrophotometry / Qubit / nanodrop), PCR, cloning, primer design (essential)
- Prior experience in one of more of the following: Tangential flow filtration (TFF), capillary electrophoresis or AKTA systems (SEC, IEX, affinity) (essential)
- Excellent attention to detail. (essential)
- Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential)
- Experience working in an industrial biological laboratory (desired)
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.
Scientist Biochemistry employer: Taylorollinson
Contact Detail:
Taylorollinson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Biochemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in DNA synthesis and molecular biology techniques. Being knowledgeable about current trends and technologies will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biotechnology sector, especially those working in DNA and biochemistry. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with industry experts and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects or experiments you've worked on that relate to the job description. Highlighting your hands-on experience with techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and AKTA systems will show that you're well-equipped for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your teamwork skills by sharing examples of how you've collaborated with others in a lab setting. This is crucial as the role involves working alongside various teams, so showcasing your ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Biochemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in biochemistry and molecular biology. Emphasise any laboratory techniques mentioned in the job description, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA quantification.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the role of a DNA Scientist. Discuss your passion for biotechnology and how your skills align with the company's goals, particularly in process development and tech transfer.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your laboratory experience, especially any work related to DNA synthesis and molecular biology techniques. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires collaboration with various teams, mention any previous experiences where you successfully worked in a team setting. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to group projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Taylorollinson
✨Know Your Techniques
Make sure you brush up on the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA quantification. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've optimised processes or solved problems in the lab. This could involve discussing a specific experiment where you had to troubleshoot issues or improve efficiency.
✨Showcase Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with other teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully worked in a team and communicated scientific data clearly.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the company and the role. You might ask about their current projects or how they envision the growth of the DNA team.