Senior researcher associate, discovery & engineering

Job Description

Our Organization

IONTAS is part of the FairJourney Biologics family, which operates across four global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK, San Francisco and San Diego – USA). FairJourney Biologics is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges, and helping bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects using a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognized for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.

The Role

We are seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Senior Research Associate (SRA) to join our Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III).

This will be an onsite and predominantly lab-based role. Working within a project team, you will independently execute antibody discovery experiments for client projects, delivering first class results. You will apply your expertise to troubleshoot technical challenges as they arise and provide training to junior team members. Teamwork is a key skill for this role, as you will be collaborating with colleagues to plan and deliver project work. A positive and solution focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative and intellectually challenging projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display and relevant screening assays, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Independently plan and execute high-quality experiments to agreed timelines.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
• Provide training and mentoring to junior colleagues and new hires.
• Present findings and progress updates to senior management and partners.

Your Profile

• BSc or MSc in a relevant field (e.g. molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences).
• 3+ years of hands-on lab experience in a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research environment, preferably gained within the antibody discovery field, with an understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures, and sequences.
• In-depth understanding and practical research experience of molecular biology and cellular biology techniques, including DNA cloning, PCR and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong practical experience in aseptic cell culture techniques and the routine culture and maintenance of mammalian cell lines.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
• Demonstrable experience in in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. reporter, TDCC).
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
• Maintain clear written records in a timely manner.
• The ability to present and communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to build strong collaborative working relationships.

Nice To Have:

• Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display) is desirable.
• Experience in antibody display library construction.
• Experience in biochemical assays, (e.g. ELISA, BLI, SPR).
• Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.

We Offer

Be Part of a Global Team

By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, San Francisco and San Diego. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights and contribute to ground breaking antibody projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies

IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and became part of the FairJourney Biologics family in 2020. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.

Career Development & Growth

As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.

• Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
• Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients and the broader scientific community.

Competitive Benefits

• Attractive salary & life insurance.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a cafe and a vibrant social community.

A Culture That Empowers

We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career path, we’d love to hear from you!