Research Scientist - Preclinical

Research Scientist

The role will focus on the development and execution of in vivo potency assays and safety studies, with particular emphasis on CNS/neuroscience and ocular/retinal research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and execute in vivo gene therapy potency and safety studies.
• Support gene therapy programmes from early discovery through to clinical development.
• Develop and optimise AAV-based therapeutic assays and readouts.
• Work with multidisciplinary R&D, quality and compliance teams.
• Develop and improve laboratory processes, workflows and technologies.
• Design and write SOPs, work instructions and experimental protocols.
• Support technology transfer and implementation of process improvements.
• Contribute to the development of a growing R&D laboratory facility.
• Deliver experiments within agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.

Essential Experience

• Degree-level qualification in a biological science; MSc/PhD preferred
• Strong experience in molecular biology, including techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, dPCR and Western blotting.
• Proven in vivo research experience within CNS/neuroscience, brain or retinal/ocular models.
• Experience with AAV-based gene therapy and relevant therapeutic readouts.
• Experience with histology, including cryosectioning and immunohistochemistry.
• Strong understanding of experimental design and process development/validation.
• Experience developing, evaluating and implementing new techniques or technologies.
• Experience working with small animal models; previous/current Home Office personal licence experience would be advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, controlled research environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a scientist who combines strong hands-on molecular biology and in vivo expertise with the ability to develop assays, troubleshoot experiments and improve existing processes.

You should be comfortable working independently, managing experimental timelines and budgets, and communicating scientific findings clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues.