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, stock options, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- 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 Virax Immune™ 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 Immune Select, 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 Employee stock option scheme 28 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays Pension scheme with 6% employer and 2% employee contributions
Research Associate – Protein Expression & Antibody Development 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.
