Bioprocess Research Associate

Constructive Bio; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology start-up based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology harnesses the power of genome rewriting and genetic code reprogramming to make valuable products that positively impact the world. We will use our platform to turn cells into bio-renewable factories to produce novel molecules that were previously inaccessible to natural biology, with diverse applications in industries spanning healthcare, biological research, materials and electronics.

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here: Chin Lab Achievements

Role Overview

We are looking for an innovative Bioprocess Technician or Associate to join our team. This role represents a critical opportunity to shape cutting-edge biotechnological research, combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving in microbial cultivation, protein expression, and characterisation.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Support scaling up of microbial cultures from flask-based development to larger bioreactor formats.
• Optimising microbial cultivation through precise flask-based fermentation techniques.
• Designing and implementing molecular cloning strategies for novel protein expression.
• Executing protein production and basic purification in bacterial systems (primarily E. coli).
• Performing routine protein characterisation using advanced analytical methods:
• Structural analysis via SDS-PAGE.
• Separation techniques using HPLC.
• Developing and refining microbial growth media.
• Manage cell bank maintenance and validation.
• Maintain meticulous experimental documentation.
• Ensuring rigorous adherence to laboratory health and safety protocols.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• BSc or MSc in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioprocess based apprenticeship or related scientific discipline.
• Previous practical protein expression experience, ideally with exposure to microbial fermentation techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular cloning techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Desirable Qualifications

Candidates with the following will be particularly competitive:

• Experience or familiarity with bioreactor systems and scale-up procedures.
• Familiarity with chromatography equipment.
• Proven Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology skills.
• Industrial biotechnology background.

Constructive Bio is a rapidly growing biotechnology start-up near Cambridge, offering an exciting opportunity to join our bioprocess team and contribute to innovative scientific research. Significant growth opportunities exist both within our small bioprocess team and across the broader company. Based in modern Whittlesford offices, we provide competitive benefits including private healthcare, generous pension contributions, and on-site parking. Early team members will experience meaningful professional development, helping to shape our technological platform in a collaborative environment where individual contributions are valued.