Research Associate, Immunology

The position involves working within the immunology biology group and directly supporting the laboratory operations team. The role will be split between generating cell-based assays and providing translational research to support our immuno-oncology and immunology portfolio. You will interact with all members of the teams to help streamline activities in our new state of the art laboratories and ensure effective relationships with other teams within the experimental biology department.

The roles main responsibility is to help facilitate the smooth running of the group by maintaining up to date records on laboratory inventories, facilitating ordering and receipt of reagents and liaising with other groups and departments. Additionally in this role you will get the opportunity to maintain cell culture for a number of human/mammalian cell lines as well as the banking of stocks into liquid nitrogen and the isolation and preparation of human primary cells. Training will also be provided into running some basic techniques in the laboratory as dictate by project requirements (BCA, ELISA, RNA, isolation).

The candidate will work directly with all members of both the laboratory operations and immunology teams and will have the opportunity to learn cellular pharmacology methods and techniques, disease biology and participate in early-stage drug discovery. There will opportunity to work on projects across a diverse set of target classes and indications on our Centaur AI platform. The position is ideal for a junior level scientist interested in applying and developing their expertise and skill set in the areas of pharmacology and drug discovery, while contributing to our mission to transform drug discovery.

The responsibilities

• Maintaining laboratory inventories, stocks of lab consumables, facilitating ordering and receipt of reagents


• Cell culture of human/mammalian cell lines (e.g., THP-1, HCT116, 22vR1, etc) and routine mycoplasma testing


• Primary cell assays - Isolation of PBMCs and immune cell subsets from human/mouse whole blood


• Molecular Biology - protein extraction, RNA isolation, plasmid propagation, RT-PCR and Western blotting


• Sample preparation - BCA, ELISA, HTRF/AlphaLISA set up


• Experimental record keeping, SOPs and reporting
  
  Bachelor's degree in a biological science, or proven laboratory experience in the life sciences sector


• The ability to work as an active member of a team with excellent communication and organisational skills


• A demonstrable analytical approach to problem solving with good attention to detail


• Experience in basic cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques


• Flexible, adaptable, and able to independently manage time and prioritise workload


Desirable competencies:

• Experience with more advanced cell culture techniques such as generating cell stocks for freezing, transfections, performing cell-based assays, etc.


• Knowledge of basic immunology/immuno-oncology


• Experience in translational research


• Previous work experience in an pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector


• Demonstrated ability to optimise workflows


• Experience in working with automation / liquid handling


• Experience with LIMS / ELN systems
  
  Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting. Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering a new approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.
  
  Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.


• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.


• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.


• Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.


• Create amazing memories or progress your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.


• We're leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.


• Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.


• Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electric vehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.


• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.


• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.


• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.


• Help yourself to free drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!


• Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation that enable you to do your best work.


• We'll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.


• Learn more about why our team enjoy working at Exscientia here