Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant – Molecular Biology

We are growing our scientific team at ExpressionEdits, and now offering an opportunity to join us in a full-time role based at our laboratories in the Babraham Research Campus near Cambridge.

Introducing us at ExpressionEdits:

At ExpressionEdits, we are changing how biotechnology is done in order to make therapeutics that nobody else can. We have gone back to the basic building block of the field, the transgene, which has remained essentially stagnant since the 1970s, and re- invented its design based on our proprietary method of intronization.
With this technology, we can turn the artificial transgenes of the past into sequences that incorporate both coding and non-coding DNA to express more effectively, while also looking more like a cell’s natural genes. We believe this approach, guided by an artificial intelligence “Engine” for genetic design, will allow us to bring forth the full potential of genetic production.

We are a growing startup company within Cambridge’s synthetic biology community which you can join as an early member of our diverse team that spans biology, engineering, data science, and medicine. With your help, we can bring our vision of ‘building biology like nature’ to life.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant to join our Sequencing and Molecular Biology Team. The primary focus of this role will be to execute on existing short and long read sequencing workflows to support the development and validation of the ExEd Engine as well as various internal development projects. You will work closely with our scientists to characterise RNA expression from our transgene designs, with the opportunity to get involved in the implementation of new technology assays and synergise with other teams.

Your responsibilities:

• Assist our scientists with generation of high-quality data for training and validation of the ExEd Engine, to unlock the potential of genetic design.
• Extraction of RNA / DNA from diverse range of samples.
• Prepare samples for short-amplicon Illumina Sequencing.
• Prepare libraries for several Nanopore Sequencing Workflows (e.g. cDNA-PCR, RNAdirect).
• Work closely with others to structure experimental study design and organise data collected.
• Conduct your experiments with scientific integrity and attention to detail. • Maintain clear and accurate electronic research records.
• Adhere to company Policies and Health & Safety Practices.

Your Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• MSc in a relevant field of science such as Molecular Biology, Genetics or Biochemistry, or equivalent research / industrial work experience.
• Experience working in a lab environment.
• Proficiency in some of the following molecular biology techniques: DNA / RNA extraction, magnetic bead purifications, cDNA synthesis, PCR, RT-qPCR, amplicon barcoding, library prep.
• Strong scientific integrity and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret data and troubleshoot protocols.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with other team members.
• UK based role so successful applicant must have an existing right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Industrial / Biotechnology work experience.
• Familiarity with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows such as Illumina and Nanopore Sequencing.
• Experience efficiently handling large sample numbers.
• Flexible approach to work, with the ability to support colleagues and prioritize tasks according to evolving company priorities.
• Desire to learn and continue developing skills to grow alongside the company’s scientific journey.
• Past use of LIMS or other electronic systems for recording experimental results to high standards of detail.