Scientific Technician/Research Associate – Molecular Biology

Who they are

At Wild Bio they are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Wild plants have had half a billion years to evolve natural solutions for thriving in almost every environment on Earth. Their proprietary genetics platform harnesses these wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops. Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies. If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on.

Wild Bio is a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art labs and offices at Milton Park. They are about to enter an exciting phase of growth and are looking for a driven, and curious Research Associate or Scientist depending on experience to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change they believe in.

Wild Bio Values

Their work is guided by three core values that define who we are and how we approach our mission:

Curiosity: Wild Bio fuel their desire to explore the unknown, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and sparking innovation. They ask questions, seek answers, and embrace lifelong learning.
Community: Wild Bio believe in the strength and support gained through collaboration and inclusion. As part of a global community, they nurture connections to drive meaningful impact for both people and planet.
Courage: They face challenges head-on, take calculated risks, and stand up for our beliefs. Their bravery propels us to take action, even in the face of adversity.

If these values resonate with you, they invite you to join our team of passionate scientists and innovators working at the cutting edge of bioscience.

Location

We’re headquartered in Milton Park. While they do offer flexible and hybrid working, they are also a small, fast-paced team working on cutting-edge science, and they believe the relationships forged and the work they do in-person will be crucial for our success. For this reason, they are asking that applicants be able to work on-site at least four days a week.

The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Benefits

– Group life cover x4 of base salary
– Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution
– Private medical insurance including dental and optical
– Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
– Regular company socials
– Complimentary refreshments throughout the week
– Team meals including breakfast on a Monday and lunch each Friday, creating opportunities for informal networking and team bonding
– Training and development opportunities
– Flexible working opportunities
– Opportunity to work with cutting edge science

Job Description

Wild Bio are looking for a motivated and skilled Technician or Research Associate with a background in molecular biology to support our research and development initiatives. In particular, you’ll play a key role in driving our cloning workflows and gene synthesis pipelines. The ideal candidate is a team player who is eager to learn and challenge established approaches to improve our systems.

– Support molecular biology projects, particularly cloning and placing gene synthesis orders.
– Perform essential lab tasks such as buffer and plasmid preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, and bacterial transformations.
– Assist with microscopy and analysis of reporters for gene expression in plant tissue.
– Manage data by collecting, organising, and analysing experimental results, and maintaining accurate records in our databases and electronic lab notebook.
– Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on research projects, assisting with troubleshooting, and helping to write and review standard operating procedures.

The ideal candidate

– A bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field or equivalent work experience.
– Hands-on experience with molecular cloning techniques (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, or Gateway) is highly desirable.
– Experience using in silico tools for cloning (e.g. snapgene) and primer design (e.g. primer3) is desirable.
– Strong quantitative skills and ideally experience in calculations associated with common molecular biology techniques (e.g., buffer molarity, dilutions, and DNA/RNA concentrations).
– Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of care when following SOPs and entering data into databases.
– Ability to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment, building relationships, and gaining trust through honesty, compassion, and authenticity.
– A curious and courageous mindset – someone who enjoys trying new things and taking initiative in a fast-paced environment.
– A desire to develop your skills, share your knowledge, and support the growth of your teammates.