Molecular Biologist

Exciting Opportunity: Molecular Biologist (Gene Synthesis Start-up)   Are you a hands-on molecular biologist who thrives in fast-moving, high-impact environments? This is an opportunity to join an early-stage biotech start-up developing gene synthesis technology.   Job Title: Molecular Biologist Vacancy Type: Permanent Location: London Salary: DOE

About the Organisation   You'll be joining a biotech start-up bringing a new gene synthesis platform to market. The team is small, ambitious and technically driven, and works at the intersection of molecular biology and automation. With support from Innovate UK, the business is moving rapidly from concept to validation and towards near-term commercialisation.

The Role of the Molecular Biologist   This is a hands-on, lab-focused role in a small core team who are developing and refining the underlying process workflows for a commercial gene synthesis service.   You'll lead process optimisation to enable our initial commercial launch and directly contribute to ongoing technology development as the company scales. As well as working at the bench, you will collaborate closely with internal colleagues and external partners to solve complex technical challenges as a team.   Key responsibilities include:  

• Designing, executing and troubleshooting molecular biology workflows related to gene synthesis
• Owning and driving iterative experimental cycles to improve performance, robustness and scalability of our core technology
• Developing and maintaining SOPs and documentation
• Collaborating with external partners to validate and internalise key technical capabilities
• Establishing protocols on automated liquid handling platforms to enable commercial scale
• Operating and optimising sequencing platforms, including Nanopore and Sanger sequencing
• Analysing sequencing and experimental data, which will require use of Python-based tools
• Contributing to broader strategy discussions surrounding commercialisation

Candidate Profile   To succeed in this role, you will need:  

• A strong foundation in molecular biology, with proven hands-on troubleshooting experience
• A highly practical mindset with genuine enthusiasm for bench science and iteration
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling systems
• Experience operating Nanopore and Sanger sequencing platforms
• Demonstrable commercial acumen, gained from prior industry roles or equivalent experience
• Working knowledge of python data analysis tools
• Excellent documentation and communication skills
• Ability to take ownership of a workstream and drive it independently   Desirable criteria:   ·     Project management experience ·     Experience working in a commercial gene synthesis environment ·     Experience in synthetic chemistry pertinent to DNA synthesis

Background & Mindset   This role is best suited to someone who:  

• Maintains focus in leading and delivering scientific work in a commercial setting.
• Is comfortable with the combined goals of technical and commercial objectives.
• Has experience across both structured environments (e.g., larger organisations) and early-stage settings
• Is comfortable working with changing priorities and high autonomy
• Enjoys solving problems without predefined answers
• Is collaborative, pragmatic and motivated by building something new   Project management experience is beneficial but not essential.

Growth Opportunity   This role offers a pathway to senior oversight. As the company grows, you'll have the opportunity to:   ·      Identify, hire and oversee lab technicians ·      Build and mentor a growing scientific team

• Contribute to external partnerships, fundraising and strategic planning Why This Role?   This is a genuinely unique opportunity for a scientist who wants to:  
• Stay hands-on in the lab while influencing company direction
• Work on high-impact technology in the gene synthesis industry
• Be part of a foundational team in a start-up environment