Associate Scientist - Cell Culture and Biotechnology

Job Description

• Independent scientist (Ideally PhD graduate, but BSc or Master can work)
• Laboratory assistant, apprentice, or student.

Apply to either role with a CV and cover letter by 21st June 2026: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Any questions are welcome.

Location: Company (biotech startup) in a laboratory affiliated with the University of Cambridge.

Start date: 1st September 2026 (ideally)

Working hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (the working hours can be shifted)

Contract: 6‑month probation period. Up to 18 months fixed contract, with the possibility of extension for up to several years.

The role is for a highly motivated scientist to lead a promising large‑scale cellular biology screen in a small, early‑stage startup aimed at innovating a technology for a novel therapeutic strategy, with applications in a range of diseases and health decline. A PhD in a relevant field is strongly preferred but the role can be adapted to fit scientists with a BSc or Master’s degree.

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out hands‑on, lab‑based work, including mammalian tissue culture, preparation of cell treatments, DNA cloning, and development and analysis of cellular and bioengineering assays (molecular biology). It is a full‑time role, but part‑time or flexible working hours can be discussed.

Vesicle biology, synthetic biology, mitochondria, or engineering of cellular organelles/molecules.

• Conduct culturing of mammalian cells and design, perform, and analyze a cellular screening platform, which includes DNA cloning in bacteria, DNA sequencing, cellular imaging, and sorting.
• Perform several types of cellular analyses, assay validations and optimizations, and experimental designs.
• Proactively shape the development of a novel bioengineering technology.
• Manage consumables, stock, and laboratory supplies, and perform routine laboratory maintenance activities. Maintain a continuous plan and log for the cell screen.
• Ideally read relevant literature and use computational tools to inform the cell screen and assays.

• Must be able to work 100 % independently, sometimes with only 5 hours of in‑person meetings per week. Not mandatory for laboratory assistant/apprentice/student roles.
• Supervise the laboratory assistant (unless not required).
• Research experience in sterile mammalian tissue culture and molecular biology techniques (including molecular cloning and DNA sequencing).
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biomedical science, genetics, bioengineering, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field.
• The ability to generate new ideas will be rewarded (PhD graduates are strongly encouraged).
• High scientific rigor, proactivity, efficiency, and the ability to troubleshoot molecular biology experiments.
• Manage and document hundreds of samples with accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills. Adhere to established procedures for all aspects of laboratory work.
• Must work in a fast‑paced setting, meet milestones with tight deadlines, and have a strong understanding of scientific research principles.
• Open, direct, transparent communication, including about issues.
• Visa sponsorship not available.

• Opportunity to intellectually shape a novel bioengineering project and continuously suggest optimisations to the cell screen.
• Your own lab bench in a laboratory affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
• Opportunity to make discoveries in a promising early‑stage startup that could lead to the development of new therapeutics.
• Performance bonuses if milestones are reached: financial reward, equity, and/or a long‑term permanent position.
• Working hours can be adapted beforehand to fit performance needs, including non‑standard working hours.