Scientist - DNA and Biochemistry Location: Cambridge Contract: Full-time and permanent Sector: Biotechnology Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 depending on experience and interview performance Work Hours: 40 hrs a week, Monday to Friday (09:00 - 17:30) Our client is an innovative biotechnology company based outside of the centre of Cambridge. They have built a platform to synthesise DNA and RNA which provides exciting possibilities for ensuring cheaper, faster and more accurate DNA / gene constructs than traditional plasmid-based methods. They work with external partners to develop gene therapy projects and have some internal projects too. Additionally they have AAV and Lipid-nanoparticle technology platforms in-house. In a key phase of their growth, our client is looking to bring a DNA Scientist to their process development team on a full-time and permanent basis. The Opportunity This is an opportunity suitable for a BSc / MSc holder in a Biological discipline, alongside additional laboratory experience (either in industry or academia). As a DNA Scientist, you will be responsible for: * Supporting the process development and tech transfer functions with synthetic DNA projects. * Validating and optimising various molecular biology and biochemistry experiments to enable efficient product development and transfer to manufacturing. This may include: DNA handling, PCR, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, TFF, AKTA purification (ion exchange, affinity chromatography, size exclusion etc), DNA quantification (nanodrop / Qubit) etc. * Optimise and improve processes within the DNA team, working alongside other teams including R&D and manufacturing. * Record scientific data in accordance with company policy and presenting data to internal teams. * Attending company / team meetings. Skills and Experience Needed The ideal candidate will have the following: * BSc / MSc in Biology / Biochemistry and an additional 1 year of laboratory experience gained in academia or industry (essential, equivalent experience okay) * Must have proven experience in designing experiments and planning experiment schedules (essential) * Prior experience in DNA and molecular biology, with experience in some of the following techniques: micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification (Spectrophotometry / Qubit / nanodrop), PCR, cloning, primer design (essential) * Prior experience in one of more of the following: Tangential flow filtration (TFF), capillary electrophoresis or AKTA systems (SEC, IEX, affinity) (desired) * Excellent attention to detail. (essential) * Ability to work effectively in a team and individually (essential) * Experience working in an industrial biological laboratory (desired) * Right to work in the UK without need for future visa sponsorship (essential) The Package As an up-and-coming Cambridge Biotech, our client is able to offer a competitive salary, progression options and benefits package including private pension