NATA Chemistry Research Scientist

Band: MRC - 4

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire

Salary: £39,375 – £41,843

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Type: Science

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

The Role

This is an exciting role in a dynamic and growing interdisciplinary team at the NATA Hub developing new therapeutic oligonucleotides for various translational and collaborative projects. The Research Scientist will play a key role in designing, synthesising, and evaluating existing and new chemical modifications for nucleic acid therapeutics. In addition, the Research Scientist will design and implement processes and workflows for nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and scale-up.

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with colleagues to perform the design, synthesis, and evaluation of oligonucleotides.
• Design and implement processes and workflows for the manufacturing of oligonucleotides.
• Take a proactive approach to learning and implementing new techniques and methods related to oligonucleotide development.
• Perform HPLC purification of oligonucleotides and related biomolecules.
• Manage instruments, reagents, and chemical resources efficiently.
• Troubleshoot and maintenance of procedures and instrumentation.
• Prepare data sheets and reports.
• Keep excellent scientific records and implement databases.
• Maintain a good knowledge of the relevant literature.
• Recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and cooperate in patent protection and exploitation.
• Present work internally and contribute to lab meetings.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Lab Manager in undertaking lab management duties such as lab and equipment maintenance, health and safety administration, reagent inventory and relevant databases.
• Support quality control duties when necessary
• Attend relevant meetings and conferences.
• Undertake any necessary training that contributes to the development of the main responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential Selection Criteria

• Hold a PhD in a biochemistry-related field or equivalent research/industry experience.
• Experience working with analytical techniques of biomolecules, preferably nucleic acids.
• Basic knowledge in nucleic acid bioinformatics
• Knowledge in oligonucleotide synthesis
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge in HPLC purification systems
• Interdisciplinary interests with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo testing
• Excellent communication skills and effective engagement with colleagues and collaborators
• High level of motivation and drive with the ability to multi-task and prioritise work effectively.
• Discipline and regard for data integrity, confidentiality, and security
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to write scientifically.
• Capable of critical thinking
• Working and adhering to standard operating procedures and experience in process analysis and refinement
• Organised, hard-working with a strong eye for detail and ability to work as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage to change priorities.
• Computer literacy is essential for the recording and communication of results.
• Ability to work to deadlines and meet milestones.
• Good time management and punctuality

Desirable selection criteria

• Basic knowledge in molecular biology
• High level of computer literacy
• Experience in GMP/GLP and quality systems
• Experience in the synthesis of fluorescent-labelled oligonucleotides
• Experience in large data set analysis and database management

The MRC is a great place to work and progress your career, be it in scientific research or the support functions.The MRC is a unique working environment where our researchers are rewarded by world class innovation and collaboration opportunities that the MRC name brings. The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.

Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.

We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.  The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.