An exciting opportunity is available for an R&D Scientist with expertise in Vector Development to join a growing start-up. With state-of-the-art facilities and a robust pipeline of upcoming projects, this role offers the chance to contribute to innovative research and development. Responsibilities: The purpose of this role is to develop mammalian plasmid constructs for optimal expression of antibody therapeutics to be used in mammalian bioprocesses. As a Scientist you will be part of an innovative multidisciplinary team that will develop the next generation of mammalian expression systems & cells lines to enable highly productive pharmaceutical bioprocesses and, ultimately, more cost effective Immunotherapeutics. • Design and screen mammalian gene expression plasmids for high and stable expression of therapeutic antibodies including bi-/tri-specific antibodies • Design and optimise CRISPR knock-out and ORF libraries to be used in high throughput functional genomics pipelines • Design, plan, and execute complex R&D experiments ensuring that deliverables are successfully met within timelines • Document research findings clearly in a lab book • Communicate regularly in group meetings and prepare and deliver presentations to project team and internal stakeholders • Along with team members, provide routine laboratory maintenance, including participating in equipment upkeep, cleaning rotas and laboratory consumables stock management • Shared responsibility for out-of-hours cell culture maintenance. • Ensure that laboratory health, safety and quality procedures are followed • Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols and generate laboratory SOPs • Support the preparation of laboratory risk assessments and maintenance of health and safety protocols • Maintain the confidentiality of the project and protocols • Keep abreast of current technologies and relevant scientific literature to help identify opportunity for improvements and reduction of costs Experience Required Essential Experience: • BSc/MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field • BSc/MSc with 3 years of industry experience or PhD with 1-2 years’ experience • Extensive experience of designing, preparing and screening mammalian gene expression plasmids within the context of mammalian cell line development • Experience of designing CRISPR knock-out and ORF libraries for high-throughput functional genomics screens • Experience of working safely with 3rd generation lentiviral plasmid systems within a CAT2.0 environment • Experience of designing mammalian gene expression constructs for Immunotherapeutics molecules eg. antibodies • Experience of working with bioprocess relevant cell lines eg. CHO or HEK293 • Familiarity of mammalian cell line development including generation of GM/GE cell lines, single cell cloning and clonal screening • Experience of mammalian cell culture and related techniques including passaging, banking, transfection, nucleofection & genotyping • Skilled in molecular biology techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, ELISA, plasmid preparation, plasmid cloning, site directed mutagenesis & FACS • Experience of working with SnapGene or related software • Skilled in experimental design and troubleshooting • Ability to work independently and as part of team • Good numeracy, computer and communication skills • Experience of writing SOPs and risk assessment Desirable Experience: • Application of Design of Experiments (DOE) to rationalise experiment design • Familiarity of working with large datasets including transcriptomic / proteomic datasets • Experience with automation and high-throughput technologies applied to mammalian cell line generation eg. Beacon, 96 deep well plate model systems & Ambr15 £40k - £55k Benefits