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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and conduct innovative assay experiments to drive drug discovery.
- Company: Join Vernalis, a leader in drug discovery with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in assay technology; PhD preferred; expertise in assay screening required.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to scientific excellence and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
Working within our fully equipped research laboratories in Cambridge, our established group of scientists are world leaders in fragment and structure-based drug discovery. Our scientists develop and apply fragment and structure-based methods to solve problems in drug discovery and have generated cell active lead compounds and development candidates against targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives and inflammation.
The Role
Within this role you will take full ownership of designing, planning, and conducting assigned assay technology experiments. You will be responsible for interpreting experimental data and determining subsequent research steps. A strong commitment to laboratory safety and proactive involvement in maintaining safety standards is essential. This role reports to the Head of Assay Technology and is based on-site, with work conducted in both office and laboratory settings. This position is being offered on a 2-year fixed term basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, plan, and execute assay experiments independently
- Independently manage assigned routine screening assays to support medicinal chemistry and project outcomes through timely and effective communication and delivery of results
- Interpret assay and screening data and make informed decisions on the direction of future studies
- Communicate findings effectively through presentations and reports for internal and external audiences
- Openly discuss assay data with colleagues as part of a team effort to enable fastest outcomes
- Contribute to or co-author scientific publications, patents, or internal reports
- Use electronic systems to accurately record and manage experimental data
- Identify and implement improvements in scientific methods and laboratory practices
- Actively ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and best practices
Knowledge & Experience
- Expertise in assay screening assays and a strong theoretical scientific foundation
- Accuracy in pipetting and safe use of laboratory equipment
- Experienced in experimental design, data generation, analysis, and interpretation
- Demonstrable expertise in generating, collating, evaluating and drawing conclusions from experimental data
- Understands the basic principles of TRFRET and FP assays
- Understands screening cascades and screening processes
- Able to produce accurate reports and scientific explanations of experimental data
- Knowledge of scientific literature directly related to their own assigned work
- Familiarity with related scientific disciplines
- In-depth knowledge of background scientific literature relevant to biochemical assay development and compound screening
- Knowledge of other compound screening techniques used by Vernalis and the wider scientific community
- Proficient in the use of computer-based tools for scientific research
Education & Qualifications
- BSc / MSc in assay technology related discipline
- PhD or other post graduate qualification in relevant scientific field
- Evidence of ongoing professional development or contributions to scientific knowledge
The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list, and you may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties compatible with your experience and competencies. This description may be varied from time to time to reflect changing business requirements.
Why Vernalis? At Vernalis you will be part of ‘One Team’ working in a friendly and collaborative office. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits including generous pension contributions, private healthcare cover, 26 days annual leave for a full-time position plus bank holidays, holiday purchase scheme, flexitime, discretionary bonus, employee assistance programme and enhanced family leave policies. Normal working hours for this full-time position is 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Alternative working patterns will be considered for the right candidate.
If you feel passionate about joining a team where scientific excellence and enthusiasm combine in a friendly and flexible environment to impact drug discovery projects, then please get in touch! To apply please send across your CV to: Please include a covering letter which outlines your suitability and motivation for this position. Vernalis Research is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
Scientist – Assay Technology in Cambridge employer: Vernalis
Contact Detail:
Vernalis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist – Assay Technology in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Vernalis on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your assay technology knowledge. We want to see you confidently discuss TRFRET and FP assays, so practice explaining these concepts in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for drug discovery! During interviews, share specific examples of how your previous work aligns with Vernalis' mission. We love hearing about your contributions to scientific publications or innovative projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist – Assay Technology in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for assay technology and how your skills align with our needs. We want to see your motivation and what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in assay screening and drug discovery. Highlight specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to laboratory safety.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in our collaborative environment, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully communicated findings in previous roles. This could be through presentations, reports, or even team discussions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vernalis
✨Know Your Assays
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of assay technology, especially TRFRET and FP assays. Be ready to discuss how you've designed and executed experiments in the past, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Data Interpretation is Key
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analysis and interpretation. Think of specific examples where your insights led to important decisions in research. This will show that you can not only conduct experiments but also understand their implications.
✨Safety First!
Since laboratory safety is crucial, be prepared to discuss your commitment to maintaining safety standards. Share any experiences where you contributed to improving safety protocols or how you ensure compliance in your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. You might be asked to present findings or discuss your work with colleagues, so being able to communicate effectively is essential for success in this role.
