Job Description
Senior Scientist: RNA and Cell Biology
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Employment type: Full time
Reports to: CSO
About the Company
We are a biotechnology company developing a next-generation, non-viral RNA therapeutic platform designed to make RNA medicines safer, smarter, and more accessible. Our mission is to transform how RNA-based therapies are designed and delivered, creating breakthroughs for diseases where traditional modalities fall short.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist (RNA and Cell Biology) to join our growing R&D team. This is a unique opportunity to shape early-stage RNA therapeutic innovation and contribute to the next wave of RNA technology emerging from the UK biotech ecosystem.
Role Overview
The Senior Scientist will lead experimental design and execution within our RNA biology and cell biology programmes. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in molecular biology, RNA manipulation, and mammalian cell systems, and a passion for translating fundamental science into therapeutic impact.
You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams to optimise RNA constructs, evaluate activity, and characterise expression in human and mouse cells.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and perform RNA transcription, transfection, and expression assays in mammalian cell models.
* Lead in vitro validation of RNA constructs, including optimisation of regulatory elements and RNA stability.
* Develop and maintain a range of cell lines (e.g., HEK293, HeLa, primary cell lines) for RNA expression studies.
* Execute molecular cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy analyses.
* Collaborate with computational and AI teams to test predicted variants and provide feedback into design cycles.
* Analyse data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
* Supervise junior scientists or research associates as the team expands.
* Contribute to the preparation of publications, patents, and grant applications.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
* PhD in Molecular Biology, RNA Biology, Cell Biology, or related field, or equivalent industrial experience (5+ years).
* Proven track record in mammalian cell culture and transfection of RNA/DNA constructs.
* Experience with RNA manipulation techniques (in vitro transcription, purification, stability testing).
* Strong hands-on experience with molecular biology assays (cloning, PCR, RT-qPCR, protein/RNA quantification).
* Familiarity with RNA delivery systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, electroporation) is highly desirable.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable Skills
* Experience with self-amplifying RNA, replicons, or viral replicase systems.
* Knowledge of in vivo model preparation or transfection workflows.
* Background in AI-guided protein or RNA design.
* Familiarity with biosafety and regulatory compliance (GMP/GLP environments).
Personal Attributes
* Innovative thinker with strong scientific curiosity and rigour.
* Confident communicator who actively shares ideas and solutions.
* Collaborative and proactive, thriving in a start-up environment.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Passionate about translating discovery science into real-world therapeutics.