Scientific Technician / Research Associate - Molecular Biology - Wild

Thompson and Terry are advertising this role on behalf of Wild Bioscience Ltd.

Who we are: At Wild Bio we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Wild plants have had half a billion years to evolve natural solutions for thriving in almost every environment on Earth. Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses these wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops. Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies. If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on. Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. We are about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven and curious Molecular Biology Technician or Research Associate to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in.

Our values: Our work is guided by three core values that define who we are and how we approach our mission:

• Curiosity: We fuel our desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation. We ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
• Community: We believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion. As part of a global community, we nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
• Courage: We face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Our bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.

If these values resonate with you, we invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.

The role: We are looking for a motivated and skilled Technician or Research Associate with a background in molecular biology to support our research and development initiatives. In particular, you’ll play a key role in driving our cloning workflows and gene synthesis pipelines. The ideal candidate is a team player who is eager to learn and challenge established approaches to improve our systems.

Detailed responsibilities:

• Support molecular biology projects, particularly cloning and placing gene synthesis orders.
• Perform essential lab tasks such as buffer and plasmid preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, and bacterial transformations.
• Assist with microscopy and analysis of reporters for gene expression in plant tissue.
• Manage data by collecting, organising, and analysing experimental results, and maintaining accurate records in our databases and electronic lab notebook.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on research projects, assisting with troubleshooting, and helping to write and review standard operating procedures.

Knowledge and skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field or equivalent work experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, or Gateway) is highly desirable.
• Experience using in silico tools for cloning (e.g. snapgene) and primer design (e.g. primer3) is desirable.
• Strong quantitative skills and ideally experience in calculations associated with common molecular biology techniques (e.g., buffer molarity, dilutions, and DNA/RNA concentrations).
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of care when following SOPs and entering data into databases.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment, building relationships, and gaining trust through honesty, compassion, and authenticity.
• A curious and courageous mindset – someone who enjoys trying new things and taking initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• A desire to develop your skills, share your knowledge, and support the growth of your teammates.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with cutting edge science
• Group life cover x 4 of base salary
• Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution
• Private medical insurance including dental and optical
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Regular company socials
• Complimentary refreshments throughout the week
• Team meals, including breakfast on a Monday and lunch each Friday, creating opportunities for informal networking and team bonding
• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working opportunities

Location: We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire. This is an on-site role, though we offer flexibility and hybrid working when possible. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.