Scientist, Cell Therapy Innovation

bit.bio

Closing Date: 13/10/2024

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 Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent

Start: Immediate

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Lab Based Position

Your role in our team:

The Cell Therapy Innovation (CTI) Group, within Research & Development, plays a pivotal role to enable the use of bit.bio cell types in the clinic. We are looking for a Scientist with a strong background in cell biology, characterisation and functional assay development in a drug discovery / translational context to support our efforts in drug discovery from proof of concept studies to candidate selection for cell therapy applications.

As a Scientist within the CTI team, you will develop expertise in drug discovery, reprogramming of iPSCs into somatic cell types and translational medicine. Developing characterisation assays for proof of concept studies. You will work with a team of researchers as a focal point within the wider R&D and technical operations departments evaluating the cell therapy potential of our opti-ox cells.

Your key responsibilities will include:

The development and execution of functional, translational and characterisation studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of our opti-ox cells.

Supporting proof of concept data packages for drug discovery.

Analysis and interpretation of data reporting of data, and experimental troubleshooting as required.

Working with collaborators within bit.bio, and beyond, to characterise potential therapeutic cell types.

Facilitating technology transfer across teams within bit.bio and contributing to process development of potential therapeutic cell types.

Contribution to programme work and the CTI department as a whole with assay design/implementation/execution, sample tracking, resource management, SOP writing and process development.

Contributing towards the completion of documentation and reports inclusive of experience with ELN and good documentation practice.

You…

Will have a minimum MSc qualification in a relevant area of Biological Sciences (or equivalent experience) with proven experience in academia and/or industry and a passion for problem solving.

Have a background in Cell Biology inclusive of characterisation, and cell based functional assessments.

Have experience in Cell Biology with one or more of the following backgrounds in Immunology, Neurobiology and/or Gastrointestinal.

Are a good team player with an inquisitive mind and an ability to prioritise, organise, and be responsible for your own workload.

Will be looking for a stimulating working environment where you can engage with different working groups to drive work packages and actively contribute to projects of others.

With essential experience in…

Strong practical and theoretical background in Cell Biology and drug discovery, with experience in experiment planning, execution, and critical interpretation of generated data.

Multi-parameter flow cytometry, ELISA, multi-cell functional assays, plate based biochemical assay, cell culture, stem cell differentiation, kinetic assays, molecular biology, qRT-PCR, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, within a drug discovery environment.

The ability to manage and prioritise own workload flexibility across different programs.

The ability to work collaboratively between teams and specific platforms.

Working and performing in a highly collaborative environment.

…and possibly…

Experience characterising / evaluating therapeutics in cell based assays (preferred within cell therapy, but biologics or small molecules also considered).

Industry experience within translational sciences would be advantageous.

Experience working with ex vivo tissue, developing understanding of survival and engraftment of cells in tissue.

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.

To apply for this vacancy, please visit our Careers page at: https://www.bit.bio/open-roles