The successful applicant will contribute towards commercial and internal R&D projects, mainly focusing on exploratory research to improve and optimise the performance of OXGENE TM ’s proprietary AAV manufacturing technology (TESSA TM ). Activities will largely focus on delivering technology improvements and performing evaluations to assess the impact of design modifications in cell culture experiments. Strong communication and teamworking skills are essential as you will work closely with colleagues to execute project goals and deliverables in line with planned project objectives. The successful candidate will sit in the Viral Vector Innovations group. This role is ideal for individuals seeking growth and advancement in Gene Therapy R&D, while contributing to the ambitious objectives of a dynamic company. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES : Generation of stocks of Adeno-associated virus (AAV) via virus transduction or plasmid transfection in mammalian cells. Characterisation of AAV stocks using qPCR, ddPCR, AAV ELISA, and NGS. Designing, generating and characterising DNA constructs using standard molecular biology techniques. Contributing to the success of commercial service projects, R&D initiatives and exploratory research at OXGENE TM. Working harmoniously and productively within a small, dedicated team, supporting colleagues and line manager to achieve successful project outcomes. Culturing and monitoring mammalian cell lines, including cell counting and determination of cell viability. Accurately recording experimental data using OXGENE TM ’s electronic lab notebook (ELN). Updating technical records and databases. Contributing to the preparation of reports and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Performing general laboratory maintenance tasks including the preparation of buffer stocks, aliquoting of reagents, cleaning biological safety cabinets, and the safe disposal of biological waste. Working to tight deadlines and ensuring accurate record keeping. Ensuring that work complies with Health and Safety Regulations. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: A BSc in a relevant subject area employing documented wet-lab cell culture or molecular biology techniques. Hands-on wet-lab experience with one or more of the following: cell line maintenance, molecular biology techniques, viral transduction and titration, or ÄKTA purification. Excellent record keeping and documentation. High-level attention to detail, and adherence to quality standards and standard operating procedures. Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team. DESIRABLE CRITERIA: Use of viral analytical techniques such as qPCR and ddPCR, viral particle ELISA, and HPLC. DNA construct design and construction techniques, such as the use of DNA editing/analysis software, ligation, restriction digests and site-directed mutagenesis. Self-motivation and demonstrable success in delivering assigned tasks against challenging timelines, and in performing independent research. Salary Range: £23,000 pa - £31,000 pa Job Location We have offices in the UK and USA. This role will be located at The Oxford Science Park, four miles south east of Oxford, with parking and good public transport links from Oxford. Our UK office address is: The Oxford Science Park, Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford, OX4 4HG. How to Apply Please complete the application form on our website and attach your CV.Your CV should include evidence that demonstrates how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks. Internal applicants: please apply directly to Human Resources, copying your line manager into the email. Sending us your personal information means that you are asking us to hold your data on file, and understand that we will only keep it for as long as we need it to comply with the Data Protection Act. Closing Date This advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity. Information for International Candidates By the start of employment, the successful candidate must have, and be able to demonstrate, permission to work in the UK. Unfortunately, as a small company, we have very limited ability to sponsor employees under skilled worker Visa route, and we are unable to sponsor this for international graduates / candidates. MORE ABOUT OXGENE Company benefits OXGENE offers a generous benefits package: 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service and 8 UK bank/public holidays per annual leave year and a day off on your birthday Pension with salary exchange and generous employer contribution Discretionary performance related annual bonus Group life cover Group Income Protection Glasses vouchers Employee assistance programme Private medical insurance with additional wellness benefits (as a benefit in kind) Free tea, coffee, fruit-juice, fruit and biscuits, with kitchen facilities Company culture and environment OXGENE offers a friendly and diverse working environment: Opportunity to make a difference in a promotion-from-within environment Regular whole-company presentations, including regular scientific updates Regular social events, including TGI Friday activities Annual staff away days Diversity and equality of opportunity We provide all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables and empowers everyone to develop and deliver professional excellence. We recognise that diversity is vital for innovation and creativity and value each individual’s contribution. OXGENE’s decision to employ and promote individuals will be determined by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the role. The ability to perform the role will be the primary consideration on entry into employment and to successfully pass probation. The application process When we receive your application, we will look at it carefully to see if you are right for the role. We aim to contact all successful candidates within 2-3 weeks of application. If you haven’t received a telephone call or an e-mail from us in this time, it means you have not been selected on this occasion. Due to the number of applications, we receive, we are unable to provide feedback for candidates who are not selected for interview. We thank you for your application and interest in OXGENE. Pre-employment screening All appointments will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work in the UK, proof of identity and references. Information for recruitment agencies We only accept CVs from our partnership recruitment agencies.