Development Scientist

The Role

Our Biologics Development team is responsible for the improvement and performance of all biological components contained within our sample preparation kits and flowcells. We are seeking highly motivated individual with great lab-based skills to join the team as a Development Scientist. As part of the wider R&D division we work collaboratively to deliver new chemistries from conception to customers.

The role, based at the company’s Oxford headquarters, will support the development of new nanopore sequencing products, focussing on delivery of improvements to fundamental performance metrics improving outcomes and utility for users of the ONT platform.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the expression, purification and analysis of key protein components that form the backbone of the RNA and DNA sequencing chemistries as well as any future nanopore sensing applications. In a highly collaborative role, you will enjoy interacting with various stakeholders, across the R&D and product divisions in a multi-disciplinary environment.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented person who will have experience in the following areas:

• Good understanding of the biochemical and structural properties of proteins, experience with DNA/RNA handling enzymes or membrane protein nanopores is beneficial.
• Hands-on experience of recombinant protein expression from bacterial systems at lab-scale or with high-throughput plate-based methods.
• Experience in lab-scale purification of proteins using a variety of chromatographic methods with AKTA (or similar) purification systems.
• Exposure to techniques for the biochemical/biophysical characterisation of purified proteins such as SDS-PAGE, LC-MS, EMSA, western blot or fluorescence-based activity assays.

Responsibilities include:

The successful candidate will hold a BSc/MSc in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biotechnology or a related field and be able to demonstrate previous independent lab experience in an academic or industrial setting. Characteristics we are looking for in a successful candidate include a strong attention to detail, a high level of organisation and effective communications skills, both written and verbal. The role is suited for a dedicated individual eager to learn and grow, who will be provided with extensive training and mentorship to support their development.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!