Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform

Responsibilities

We are representing a confidential biotechnology organization seeking a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to join their Molecular Biology platform within a high-throughput laboratory environment in Cambridge.

Reporting to the Scientific Manager, you will deliver high-quality molecular biology workflows supporting a somatic genomics platform. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Executing high-quality molecular biology workflows including DNA and RNA extraction from human tissues and isolated cells/nuclei
• Performing nucleic acid quantification, quality assessment and fragmentation to support downstream sequencing applications
• Preparing high-quality NGS libraries using a variety of library preparation methodologies
• Supporting implementation, optimisation and routine operation of automated molecular biology workflows
• Troubleshooting molecular biology workflows, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reproducibility and throughput
• Working closely with Histology and Flow Cytometry teams to ensure seamless progression of samples through the laboratory
• Supporting implementation of new technologies and molecular biology methods into routine laboratory operations
• Maintaining accurate laboratory records using electronic laboratory notebooks and associated laboratory information systems
• Ensuring compliance with laboratory quality systems, the Human Tissue Act, COSHH and all relevant laboratory procedures
• Contributing to SOP development, protocol optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the Molecular Biology platform
• Supporting training and mentoring of junior Research Associates where appropriate

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements:

• BSc, MSc or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related life science discipline
• Significant hands-on experience working within a molecular biology laboratory (typically 3–5+ years in industry or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience extracting high-quality DNA and RNA from a variety of biological sample types
• Hands-on experience performing nucleic acid fragmentation and quality assessment
• Experience preparing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) libraries
• Experience operating within a high-throughput laboratory environment
• Experience using laboratory automation or supporting automated molecular biology workflows
• Excellent laboratory organisation, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience working under the Human Tissue Act and associated quality systems
• Experience using ELN/LIMS platforms (Benchling preferred)
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with ultra-sensitive sequencing assays
• Knowledge of somatic genomics, mutation detection and cancer genomics workflows
• Experience working with fixed and fresh frozen tissue
• Experience preparing sequencing libraries for low-input or challenging biological samples
• Experience supporting implementation of automated liquid handling systems
• Experience working collaboratively with Assay Development and Automation teams
• Experience within a rapidly growing biotechnology organisation
• Knowledge of laboratory process optimisation and Operational Excellence methodologies

How We Work With You

Our talent team at Get A Job.ai will guide you through the entire recruitment process. When you apply through our platform, one of our experienced recruiters will conduct an initial screening to understand your background and career goals. We'll then present qualified candidates to our client for consideration. Please note: you should not contact the client directly during this process—all communication and coordination will flow through Get A Job.ai to ensure the best candidate experience.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process with our recruitment team and will be competitive with the Cambridge biotechnology market.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.