Full job descriptionJob Specification: Associate Scientist - Cell Culture and Bioengineering
Location: Startup in a laboratory affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
Working hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (the working hours can be shifted)
Start date: 1st September 2026
Contract: 6-month probation period, and then an additional 12-month contract (ideally) with the possibility of a permanent position or extension for up to several years.
About the role:
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 to develop a novel type therapeutic strategy, with applications in a range of diseases. 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, as well as 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.
Please send a CV and any questions to the listed email address.
Responsibilities:
*The core responsibility will involve culturing mammalian cells and designing, performing, and analysing a cellular screening platform, which includes molecular cloning in bacteria, DNA sequencing, and cellular imaging and sorting.
*You will perform several types of cellular analyses, assay validation and optimisations, and experimental designs.
*Proactively shape the development of a novel bioengineering technology.
*Managing consumables, stock, and laboratory supplies, including other routine laboratory maintenance activities. Manage a continuous plan and log for the cell screen.
*Ideally, read relevant literature and use computational tools to inform the cell screen and assays.
Requirements:
*Be able to work 100% independently, with <3 hours of in-person meetings per week.
*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 scientific field.
*The ability to generate new ideas will be rewarded (PhD graduates are strongly encouraged to apply).
*High scientific rigour, proactivity, efficiency, and the ability to troubleshoot molecular biology experiments are crucial.
*Manage and document hundreds of samples while maintaining high accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills. Adhere to established procedures for all aspects of laboratory work, handle all samples correctly, and maintain all necessary data and records.
*The ability to work in a fast-paced setting, reach milestones with tight deadlines, and have a strong understanding of scientific research principles.
*Open, direct, and fully transparent communication, including about issues.
What we offer:
*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 can lead to the eventual development of a new generation of therapeutics that save lives.
*Performance bonuses if you reach milestones: Financial reward, equity in the startup and/or a long-term permanent position.
*The working hours can be adapted beforehand to fit your best performance (including non-standard working hours).
For more information on this role, please write to the listed email address.
To apply, send a cover letter and a CV to the same email address, by 30th June 2026.