Research Assistant – Production & QC

Research Assistant – Production & QC
at Bit Bio

Cambridge, UK

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics.

As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent / Start: Immediate

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Your role in our team:

To support in achieving the goals of our organisation we are looking for a motivated and experienced Research Assistant to join our Production & QC team.

As a Research Assistant within the Production & QC team, you will assist with the scale-up, automation and manufacture of a wide range of iPSC-derived cell types. You will support the Production & QC Scientist and/or Manager to maximise production efficiency, optimise production workflows, monitor stock levels and deliver operational excellence. The Production & QC Research Assistant will also work on the final product QC process. You will work cross-functionally with teams across bit.bio to help deliver a quality product to market as well as contribute to the continuous development of the Production & QC team, the laboratory environment and overall aims of bit.bio.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Support the optimisation, scale-up and execution of production runs as well as final product QC & release for all cell types.
Provide input for the coordination of time, resources and cross-team functionality required for the scheduling & execution of production runs and final product QC.
Support the tech transfer process & engineering runs of new cell types entering production from MSAT.
Work with MSAT to optimise the critical aspects of production protocols for new cell types, including scale-up of culture conditions, cryopreservation, thawing & QC.
Maintain SOPs for the production and QC analysis of new cell types as well as help with route cause analysis of failed production runs.
Provide input on timelines for the development and execution of manufacturing processes for new & existing cell types.
Promote a proactive, continual improvement culture to maintain high standards of service and good practice.
Support the design, development and implementation of the Production & QC team. Provide intellectual and practical support to junior members of staff. Contribute to developments in laboratory organisation.
Actively lead in developing and maintaining the core cultural aspects of the company.
You…

Have a Bachelor or Master’s degree in a relevant field of biological sciences.
A minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience in a relevant industry or scientific organisation.
Have practical and theoretical background in human iPSC culture and/or differentiation.
Have knowledge of cellular characterisation assays (e.g. immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and qPCR).
Are process oriented and experienced in working to SOPs.
Willingness to work in a highly collaborative and cross functional environment.
Are a motivated, pro-active scientist with a positive, can-do attitude.
Are a passionate team player with excellent communication skills.
With essential experience in…

Human iPSC tissue culture
Mammalian cell phenotyping techniques (immunostaining, qPCR).
Experience in human iPSC differentiation
…and possibly…

Experience of working in a cGMP or GLP environment.
Experience of working with a Quality Management System (QMS).
Experience of CAPA, LEAN, Six-Sigma, 5S and/or other systems for optimisation and improvement of laboratory processes.
More reasons to join us:

bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact.

We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other.

Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.

For information on how we will manage your data please see our Candidate Privacy Notice
https://www.bit.bio/candidate-privacy-notice

Application Instructions: 
Application Closing Date: 
17 June 2022