Research Scientist (Full time / 12-month contract)

We are seeking a driven and passionate Research Scientist for a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract. This role offers an exciting opportunity to apply your research expertise in a commercial environment.

The role will focus on delivering client projects, but will also involve designing novel studies, developing new methods, investigating the scientific literature and interpreting data to provide fit-for-purpose solutions for our clients.

About Magnitude Biosciences

Magnitude Biosciences Ltd is a specialist contract research organisation delivering C. elegans solutions to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. We are a team of multidisciplinary experts who combine our C. elegans expertise, unique automated assays, and novel patented healthspan imaging system (WormGazer™) to provide bespoke solutions for our clients.

Our novel WormGazer™ imaging technology continuously monitors worm movement automatically, providing data on growth and development, healthspan and quantifiable data in behavioural assays. Our assays are designed to deliver solutions for understanding modes of action for compounds and other interventions, understanding toxicity, supporting drug discovery in biotech, and testing novel food ingredients for potential health benefits.

At Magnitude Biosciences you will enjoy a good work-life balance, supportive team and the opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities in new areas. The role is full time, on site in NETPark, Sedgefield, County Durham, UK.

About the Role

The post holder will work closely with our other Research Scientists and report to the Head of Lab. Appropriate training will be provided.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for delivering projects in the lab for client and internal R&D projects.
• Performing a range of established assays in line with existing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Communication of experimental data in a timely manner and providing the project team and management with clear summaries of impacts, risks, and next steps in projects.
• Support the weekly lab Kanban meetings to manage the lab work schedule and ensure the timely delivery of projects.
• Provide scientific input into method development and conduct validation activities for novel assays.
• Ensure that up-to-date lab protocols and SOPs are in place for all existing and novel assays, implementing revisions of SOPs when necessary.
• Participate fully in the general housekeeping of the laboratory, including procurement, stock checks and maintaining a clean and tidy working environment in line with guidelines.
• When requested, write study reports and presentations for client or internal R&D projects.
• When requested, provide technical support for commercial and sales activities.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to BSc or MSc in a relevant subject
• Experience working in a commercial lab
• Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong communicator both verbally and in writing
• Willingness to adapt and learn to work in a commercial setting
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to a variety of business challenges
• Strong work ethic and commitment

Desirable criteria

A PhD or equivalent
Experience working with C. elegans or other similar animal models
Ability to design new experiments to address scientific questions
Molecular biology knowledge
Experience working in an ISO-accredited work environment
Experience in one or more of the following sectors: pharmaceutical, biotechnology, ageing, health and nutrition
Knowledge of assay development and validation

Hours: 35 per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday

The salary will be appropriate for the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Deadline: 24 December 2024

We carefully review all applications and will contact shortlisted candidates for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you have not heard from us by January 2025, please kindly assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free on-site parking

Applications should be sent to careers@magnitudebiosciences.com and include a CV and a cover letter.