At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support antibody development and protein expression in a cutting-edge lab.
- Company: Innovative biotech company focused on immune-response detection technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 28 days leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by working on groundbreaking diagnostic technologies.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in life sciences or equivalent lab experience; practical skills in microbiology.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 a Research Associate to join our Antibody Development team, providing hands‑on support across bacterial protein expression, molecular biology, and antibody discovery workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Culture and transform bacteria for plasmid propagation and recombinant protein expression.
- Purify and prepare plasmid DNA for transfection, including DNA isolation, PCR, and molecular cloning support.
- Isolate and characterise proteins from bacterial expression systems, and assist with assessing protein function.
- Prepare buffers, reagents, and plates to support daily lab operations.
- Assist the team with phage display and phage library handling activities.
- Maintain aseptic technique and general lab standards across all work areas.
- Contribute to SOP writing and conduct COSHH assessments for methods and materials used.
- Maintain accurate, detailed lab records in line with quality standards.
What your background should look like
- BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline (or equivalent hands‑on lab experience).
- Practical experience with bacterial culture and transformation.
- Experience with DNA isolation/preparation and PCR; familiarity with molecular cloning.
- Comfortable with buffer and plate preparation, and aseptic technique.
- Some exposure to protein isolation and characterisation.
- Desirable: exposure to phage display or phage library work (training will be provided and advanced experience is not expected).
- Desirable: familiarity with ISO 9001/GLP environments, SOP writing, COSHH assessments.
- Strong attention to detail and good written record‑keeping.
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
- 28 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Pension scheme with 6% employer and 2% employee contributions
Research Associate – Protein Expression & Antibody Development in Motherwell employer: Virax Biolabs
At Virax Biolabs, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our R&D Scientists to make meaningful contributions to the field of immunology. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in IVD development, ensuring that our employees are at the forefront of scientific advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate – Protein Expression & Antibody Development 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!
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!
