Competitive Salary
Role
Aptamer Group is expanding its Lab team and we're looking for a Scientist II to help drive our innovative science forward. You will understand and independently carry out Aptamer Selection processes, troubleshoot issues, and lead small-scale continuous improvement projects. You will also train and mentor other staff, ensuring quality and consistency across the team. This role will begin within the Protein Selection team and expand to other departments (e.g., Cell Selection, Characterisation, Small Molecule Selection, Sequencing) according to business needs.
What You'll Be Doing
* Perform and troubleshoot all aspects of the Aptamer Selection process, across multiple departments, as outlined in SOP/WI. Ensuring consistent and timely delivery of results.
* Cross-train into multiple other areas where possible to maintain broad competence and resource flexibility.
* Train staff from other departments to a high standard ensuring sign offs are recorded in operator Training Records.
* Consistently produce high quality data with a low number of human error non-conformities
* Independent planning & organisation of individual workload.
* Drive departmental continuous improvement projects, including planning experiments, delivering data to timelines, and implementing improvements.
* Serve as Project Lead on non-critical projects, ensuring communication and documentation are maintained.
* Maintaining laboratory stocks, cleanliness and equipment. to ensure there are always sufficient material for our core processes.
* Ensure compliance with all Quality and Health & Safety processes. including preparation of risk assessments where required.
* Communicate well with wider Lab Team to ensure smooth running in the laboratories.
* Maintain excellent documentation with raw data following ALCOA+ principles.
* Contribute to and create project communication documents (e.g., slide decks, work instructions, SOPs) as requested by senior scientists and team leaders.
* You will lead continuous improvement/troubleshooting projects with assistance from the senior scientists within your departmental team, taking a key role in planning experiments and delivering data to set timeframes.
* Maintain Training records to document progress in competencies and complete timesheets to track time on project.
What we're looking for:
* Minimum of 3-5 years Laboratory experience in GxP lab or equivalent.
* Good understanding of GxP Principles with the ability to identify and drive process changes.
* High level of integrity which prioritises process Quality.
* Strong ability to generate, interpret, and present data
* Experience/understanding of a range of research and molecular biology techniques, such as gel electrophoresis, PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR, ELISA, BLI, Cell Culture.
* Proven ability to train and mentor staff in laboratory processes
* Excellent organisation and communication skills both verbal and written.
* Experience in generating, interpreting and presenting data.
* The ability to learn and use complex laboratory equipment with appropriate training.
* Meticulous attention to detail.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Good teamworking skills.
* Time management.
* Master's, Bachelor's or PHD Degree qualified in Biological sciences, Biotechnology or related discipline
What we offer
* A supportive, high-performing team with genuine opportunities to grow your commercial career
* A vaues-led, collaborative culture where your ideas and contributions make a real impact
* A modern, welcoming office environment in York
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days
* Private medical healthcare and access to the Bike2Work scheme
* Monthly breakfast treats and regular company-wide social events
* A chance to play a key role in a fast-growing life sciences company making a real-world difference
Why Aptamer Group?
At Aptamer Group, we're transforming the future of biotechnology through innovative aptamer-based solutions. As part of our collaborative, fast-paced team, you'll develop your expertise while helping shape the next generation of science.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Company events
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person