RNA Molecular Biologist

RNA Molecular Biologist (PhD)

Location: Cambridge

Contract: Full-time and permanent

Sector: Biotechnology / Drug Discovery

Salary: Dependent on experience

Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA which provides exciting possibilities for ensuring cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs than traditional plasmid-based methods. In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to onboard experienced Scientists in the field of cellular and molecular biology to support the development of their synthetic RNA technologies.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for a Scientist with a PhD in RNA Biology (fresh PhD is great), or BSc / MSc with additional industry with RNA related projects. As a Scientist within the RNA team, you will be responsible for:

• Conducting a wide range of molecular biology based experiments in relation to Synthetic DNA, mRNA synthesis and gene expression.
• Supporting a range of synthetic DNA and RNA projects for external collaborators, as well as some internal R&D projects.
• Optimising the DNA to in vitro RNA conversion process and subsequent RNA purification.
• Conduct cell-based assays (luciferase / reporter assays) to evaluate immune response to RNA.
• Plan, refine and execute experiments which align with overall project plans.
• Work individually and collaboratively within the R&D teams.
• Play an active role in departmental meetings and development meetings.
• Keep a comprehensive and up-to-date record of experiments and data/results

Skills and Experience Needed

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• PhD in molecular or cellular biology, with elements of your PhD involving RNA research. (essential - also happy to consider equivalent experience i.e. BSc/MSc in a biological discipline + industry experience in molecular or cellular biology, ideally RNA focused)
• Expertise in several of the following techniques (capillary electrophoresis, polyacrylamide electrophoresis, RNA quantification, DNA quantification, flow cytometry, ELISA) (essential)
• Experience in one of the following techniques (cell reporter assays i.e. luciferase, B-galactosidase or GFP, cell transfection (desired)
• Experience in troubleshooting and developing laboratory protocols (desired)
• Excellent communication skills (essential)
• Existing right to work in the UK (essential)

The Package

As an up-and-coming Cambridge Biotech, our client is able to offer a competitive salary, progression options and benefits package including private pension and private health insurance.