Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist: RNA and Cell Biology

Location: Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Hertfordshire, UK

Employment type: Fixed term, 9 months, with the possibility of extension

Reports to: Chief Scientific Officer

Salary: Competitive

About Cambridge Medixine:

At Cambridge Medixine, we are pioneering RNARISE, 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's 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 RNARISE constructs, including optimisation of regulatory elements and RNA stability.
- Develop and maintain a range of cell lines (HEK293, HeLa, primary cell lines etc.) 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 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 (IVT, 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., LNPs, 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.
• Assertive personality who does not hesitate communicating 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.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a pioneering RNA biotech shaping the future of therapeutics.

Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, the UK's leading hub for life sciences innovation.

Competitive salary, stock options, and opportunities for professional growth.

Direct mentorship from scientific and entrepreneurial leaders in RNA technology.