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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assist in groundbreaking research and hands-on lab work.
- Company: Xterna, a dynamic biotech start-up revolutionising drug delivery with innovative nucleic acids.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, unlimited tea and snacks, plus social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a small team and drive scientific innovation.
- Qualifications: Minimum BSc in Biochemistry or related field; hands-on lab experience required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 41000 £ per year.
Overview
Research Assistant – (entry level, requires minimum BSc or equivalent)
R&D, Central London (Victoria House, WC1B 4DA), UK
- Full time or part-time (3 consecutive days) would be considered for the right candidate.
- This is a hands-on role so in-office presence is expected on all working days.
- Fixed term 12-month position with potential for extension, reporting to the CSO.
- We are looking for someone to join as soon as possible, by spring at the latest.
Due to the high volume of applications being received this posting will close this week, please apply ASAP.
About us
Xterna is a venture-backed start-up using alternative nucleic acids to revolutionise targeted drug delivery. Xterna develops cell-specific binders composed of modified nucleic acids (XNA) and investigates their usage when linked to therapeutic cargo. Xterna uses techniques including nucleic acid manipulation and selections, qPCR, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, sequencing, immune cell assays and mammalian cell culture. Xterna is now seeking a research assistant to aid our scientific team in sample preparation, working in line with our core company values: compassion, integrity and scientific curiosity.
Responsibilities
- Use established protocols to synthesise material for testing. You will work alongside our research team to prepare material weekly for testing.
- Assist with in vitro assay delivery. Alongside sample preparation, you may also perform in vitro assays and collect experimental data.
- Document and communicate results in a timely and clear manner using our ELN system and discuss any challenges in weekly team meetings.
- Contribute to day-to-day lab running – such as monitoring lab stocks for ordering, preparing buffers, and contributing to SOP writing.
Need-to-have
- Minimum BSc or equivalent experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field with hands-on experience in a wet-lab environment.
- Experience in PCR, DNA/RNA purification and agarose/PAGE gels.
- Interest in learning new in vitro techniques.
- Self-motivated, scientifically curious and excited to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented, organised, with exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Driven and excited by challenge, and open to change.
- Right to work in the UK.
Nice-to-have
- Experience in bead-based nucleic acid manipulation.
- Experience in mammalian cell culture.
- Experience in flow cytometry.
- Experience in or knowledge of confocal microscopy.
If you do not fulfil all requirements, please do not hesitate to reach out and tell us more about your specific experiences! Our perfect candidate does not need to tick every box.
You’ll love this role if:
- You want to work in a small team. Xterna is currently a team of 5, so you’ll be reporting directly to the founders.
- You want to feel a tangible impact in your work – helping drive scientific direction, and company culture.
- You are self-driven – in a small team with no time to waste, we trust that you will get on with it!
Xterna is a highly ambitious startup with a core founding team and strong advisory network, driven by science that has the promise for global patient impact, in addition to building a collaborative and curious workplace environment. We are a small but growing team; you are joining at a time where you will feel a tangible contribution to the development of the science and company itself.
We are based in Victoria House, a landmark London facility for early-stage biotech companies. Offering bike storage and servicing, unlimited tea, coffee and snacks, social events and weekly welfare activities (including pilates and yoga).
Xterna is an equal opportunities employer, offering competitive London salaries, pension scheme and future additional benefits. This is an entry level position with a starting salary of £36,000-£41,000 pro rata depending on experience.
To apply please head to our website: www.xterna.bio/careers and complete the application form. If you experience any issues please get in touch, admin@xterna.uk. We would like to hear from applicants directly, so will not be accepting enquiries from recruiters at this time, thank you.
Research Assistant employer: Xterna
Contact Detail:
Xterna Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Research Assistant role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research Xterna, understand their work with nucleic acids, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone genuinely excited about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your hands-on experience in the lab and your passion for scientific curiosity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions or need help, just drop us a line at admin@xterna.uk. We’re here to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for biochemistry and molecular biology shine through. We love candidates who are scientifically curious and excited about the work we do at Xterna!
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, especially those related to PCR and in vitro techniques. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to highlight how your specific experiences align with our needs, especially in nucleic acid manipulation and lab work. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply ASAP!: With the high volume of applications we're receiving, it’s crucial to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and complete the application form – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xterna
✨Know Your Nucleic Acids
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nucleic acids and their applications in drug delivery. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with PCR, DNA/RNA purification, and any relevant techniques you've used in the lab.
✨Show Your Scientific Curiosity
Xterna values scientific curiosity, so come ready to share examples of how you've pursued new techniques or solved problems in your previous work. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and your eagerness to learn.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be documenting results and discussing challenges in team meetings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can present complex information simply and effectively, as this is crucial in a collaborative environment.
✨Embrace the Start-Up Spirit
Be ready to showcase your adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges. Share experiences where you've had to pivot quickly or learn new skills, as this aligns with Xterna's dynamic work culture.
