Scientific Support Operative

RoukenBio - WHO WE ARE

RoukenBio - CRO redefined.

We take our tagline seriously, disrupting the traditional CRO model with our personalised and collaborative approach. We provide our global customer base with _in vitro_ research services across the therapeutic areas of inflammation, auto-immunity, immuno-oncology and oncology. Backed by brilliant minds, our high-quality data accelerates customers’ drug discovery journeys to the clinic. From our beginnings in 2015, to our current vision of being the most trusted research partner to biotherapeutic innovators, we prioritise sustainable growth. We’re not all scientists and academics; we are a diverse, talented, and fun team who work hard and enjoy the occasional pizza Friday.

**THE ROLE**

As Scientific Support Operative you will take all the skills, learning, knowledge and experience gained as a Junior Scientific Support Operative to the next level. You will gain a greater technical understanding of our technical and quality processes and why they are used beyond simply performing the tasks. You will also gain a greater insight and responsibility for the progress of customer studies by contributing to discussions to ensure the required cells, reagents, and proteins are available and on time.

The role involves supporting the Operations department by ensuring the smooth running of the laboratory through providing media, cells, proteins and support during assay work and thus delivering high quality data to our customers whilst collaborating and communicating with Operations and Quality colleagues to ensure the smooth running of laboratory practices and customer projects.

In addition, this role carries the responsibility of providing training to other personnel in processes that the department are responsible for (cell culture, for example).

**WHAT WE EXPECT YOU TO DO**

**Laboratory Techniques**

Understand and follow cell culture processes including: thaw, maintenance, banking and release testing of all cell lines for routine and pre-assay cell culture

Prepare all media, reagents, and buffers

Perform the tasks required of the Junior Scientific Support Operative were required.

Perform assay component tasks including but not limited to: PBMC thaw, assay take offs, plate coating and data checks.

Perform all aspects of CLD studies including transductions, selection, expansion, cloning out and document review.

Perform all steps of protein purification and QC tests.

Set up Data Generating Equipment for colleagues within the Operations team and perform data reads where required.

Participate in dedicated cell line development projects within the team.

Carry out environmental monitoring of the lab.

Perform new techniques as directed by Scientific Support Supervisor/Manager.

**General**

Independently prepare documentation for custom media/reagents/cell culture.

Under supervision, prepare cell banking procedures and ensure full traceability of our cell banks from thaw through to release.

Schedule all cell culture for cell banks without supervision.

Create and book in new cell banks in LIMS.

Complete study records and input information into CoAs for in house materials such as cell banks and proteins.

Advise procurement when additional materials/stock needs ordered.

Be the technical lead on non DGE equipment.

**Training**

Provide on the job training for all practical skills covered by the Scientific Support team including demonstration, supervision and feedback.

**Compliance**

Create or adapt new documents for new media/reagent preparations.

Independently identify, undertake, and complete both simple and complex change controls.

Propose ideas for continual improvement and collaborate and participate in implementation.

Write basic risk assessments e.g. media/reagent alternatives.

Lead Scientific Support deviations and CAPAs where appropriate.

Ensure all documentation is archived in a timely manner.

Health and Safety

Adhere to all health and safety policies in the workplace.

Always wear PPE that is appropriate to the task being carried out.

Ensure compliance with COSHH documentation in support of correct handling and storage.

Ensure compliance with COSHH documentation in support of disposal of materials and biological waste.

Prepare COSHH and health and safety risk assessments, supported by the Health & Safety Committee. Identify and report and hazards or accidents observed in the workplace to the Health and Safety Committee.

**WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR FROM YOU**

We would like you to have the following:
An enthusiasm for science and a willingness to build upon knowledge already gained.

Be self-motivated, proactive, and wanting to grow and develop their career with us.

The ability to understand and follow SOP-driven procedures with mínimal errors/revisions.

Laboratory experience in an academic or industrial setting, would be beneficial but is not essential.

Higher/Advanced Higher Biology or Life Sciences. (HNC/HND in relevant field wou