Research Scientist (Chemistry)

Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator

The Medical Research Council (MRC), as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has invested a total of £30m over 4 years to establish a nucleic acid therapy accelerator (NATA) that will support state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research to solve critical issues in nucleic acid drug delivery, through focused NATA research challenges and a NATA infrastructure hub.

The NATA will focus on bringing together key stakeholders around the infrastructure hub while catalysing collaborative R&D activity with focused support to tackle significant barriers facing oligonucleotide therapy delivery to key organs. This investment will support capacity building in terms of equipment, upskilling and domain expertise that will be essential in developing critical mass to catalyse and de-risk the development of next-generation nucleic acid therapeutics.

The Role

An exciting role in a dynamic and growing interdisciplinary team at the NATA Hub developing new therapeutic oligonucleotides for various translational and collaborative projects. The Research Scientist will play a key role in designing, synthesising, and evaluating existing and new chemical modifications for nucleic acid therapeutics. In addition, the Research Scientist will design & implement processes and workflows for nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and scale-up.

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with colleagues to perform the design, synthesis, and evaluation of oligonucleotides.
• Design and implement processes and workflows for the manufacturing of oligonucleotides.
• Take a proactive approach to learning and implementing new techniques and methods related to oligonucleotide development.
• Perform HPLC purification of oligonucleotides and related biomolecules.
• Manage instruments, reagents, and chemical resources efficiently.
• Troubleshoot and maintenance of procedures and instrumentation.
• Prepare data sheets and reports.
• Keep excellent scientific records and implement databases.
• Maintain a good knowledge of the relevant literature.
• Recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and cooperate in patent protection and exploitation.
• Present work internally and contribute to lab meetings.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Lab Manager in undertaking lab management duties such as lab and equipment maintenance, health and safety administration, reagent inventory and relevant databases
• Support quality control duties when necessary
• Attend relevant meetings and conferences
• Undertake any necessary training that contributes to the development of the main responsibilities

Essential Selection Criteria

• PhD in a biochemistry-related field or equivalent research/industry experience
• Experience working with analytical techniques of biomolecules, preferably nucleic acids
• Basic knowledge in nucleic acid bioinformatics
• Knowledge in oligonucleotide synthesis
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge in HPLC purification systems
• Interdisciplinary interests with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo testing
• Excellent communication skills and effective engagement with colleagues and collaborators
• High level of motivation and drive with the ability to multi-task and prioritise work effectively
• Discipline and regard for data integrity, confidentiality, and security
• Ability to write scientifically
• Capable of critical thinking
• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience in process analysis and refinement
• Organised, hard-working with a strong eye for detail and ability to work as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage to change priorities
• Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results
• Ability to work to deadlines and meet milestones

Desirable selection criteria

• Knowledge in molecular biology
• Experience in GMP/GLP and quality systems
• Experience in the synthesis of fluorescent-labelled oligonucleotides
• Experience in large data set analysis and database management

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

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