Research Assistant

Are you passionate about advancing biotechnological innovations and shaping the future of therapeutic protein production? We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Technologist to play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge mammalian cell expression hosts and vector systems. Based in Cambridge, UK, this exciting opportunity allows you to work on transformative projects that push the boundaries of science and healthcare. In this role, you'll contribute to the engineering of mammalian cell lines, utilizing state-of-the-art gene editing tools like CRISPR, and generate sophisticated expression vectors. Your expertise will help accelerate the discovery and development of complex therapeutics, with opportunities to analyze outcomes using advanced assays such as NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, and flow cytometry. Collaborating across R&D teams, you'll support technology and process development, staying informed on the latest academic research to inspire innovative solutions.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field
• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, vector construction)
• Solid understanding of cell culture, especially mammalian systems
• Strong technical skills in data analysis and scientific execution
• Knowledge of statistics and experimental design
• Proactive problem-solving attitude and ability to work independently and collaboratively

Nice to Have Skills:

• Experience with cell line engineering, particularly CRISPR-based systems
• Familiarity with synthetic biology technologies
• Prior industrial or academic experience in related fields

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Degree in Life Sciences, with practical experience in laboratory setting
• Previously worked on developing or manipulating mammalian expression systems
• Experience with phenotypic characterization using assays like NGS, ddPCR, qPCR, flow cytometry

Other Requirements:

• Location: Cambridge, UK (fully on-site)
• Contract length: 12 months
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

About Planet Pharma: Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering. Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognised by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing. We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.