At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop innovative immunology assays and generate impactful data.
- Company: Virax Biolabs, a cutting-edge biotech company focused on immune-response technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, stock options, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by developing diagnostics for chronic conditions.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in Immunology or related field with hands-on lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Virax Biolabs UK Ltd is an innovative biotechnology company focused on immune-response detection technologies. The company is developing its flagship ViraxImmune™ profiling platform, aimed at supporting the development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays for chronic and post-infectious conditions, including Long Covid, Lyme disease and ME/CFS. In parallel, Virax Biolabs is expanding ImmuneSelect, a portfolio of products and services supporting immunology and clinical research.
We are recruiting an R&D Scientist to join our Assay Development team, working hands-on with PBMCs and cell-based assays. The role covers two connected priorities: generating data and technical content that support our commercial activity, and contributing to R&D on our IVD assay.
Key Responsibilities
- Isolate, culture, and characterise PBMCs from donor and patient samples to a high, reproducible standard.
- Develop, run, and optimise cell-based immunoassays (including ELISpot/FluoroSpot and flow cytometry), from protocol design through to optimising stimulation conditions and controls, to generate robust, reproducible data.
- Lead antigen-specific T cell stimulation experiments using peptide pools, including selecting or designing pools against target antigens, optimising stimulation conditions and kinetics, and interpreting functional readouts to characterise donor-specific immune responses.
- Translate experimental results into application notes, product comparisons, and technical content that our commercial team can use with customers, and support technical queries from prospective and existing customers.
- Contribute to development, optimisation, and validation of our IVD assay, including supporting validation activities such as precision and reproducibility.
- Maintain accurate, detailed lab records and contribute to SOPs for methods you develop or own.
- Keep up with relevant immunology literature and bring new methods or evidence to the team where useful.
What your background should look like
- PhD or MSc (with relevant lab experience) in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
- Hands-on experience with PBMC isolation and culture from whole blood.
- Practical experience with cell-based assays (e.g. functional immunoassays, flow cytometry, or similar).
- Strong written communication skills, able to translate lab data into clear technical documents.
- Familiarity with assay development in a regulated or quality-controlled environment.
What Virax Biolabs Offers
- We offer a competitive compensation package, designed to reward performance while supporting long-term growth and flexibility.
- Competitive base salary, aligned with experience.
- Performance-based bonus structure.
- Employee stock option scheme.
- 28 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
- Pension scheme with 6% employer and 2% employee contributions.
R&D Scientist - Assay Development (Immunology) in Motherwell employer: Virax Biolabs
Virax Biolabs UK Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of immunology. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide competitive compensation, performance-based bonuses, and stock options, alongside generous annual leave and a supportive pension scheme. Our culture encourages continuous learning and development, making it an ideal place for passionate scientists to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Scientist - Assay Development (Immunology) in Motherwell
✨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 Virax Biolabs. 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 Virax Biolabs!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Scientist - Assay Development (Immunology) in Motherwell
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 Virax Biolabs 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 Virax Biolabs.
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 Virax Biolabs 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 Virax Biolabs
✨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 Virax Biolabs. 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 Virax Biolabs'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 Virax Biolabs. This shows your passion for the industry!
