1 Cell Biology jobs in the United Kingdom

About Us

Exscientia is an AI-driven pharmatech company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting.

Our pipeline demonstrates our ability to rapidly translate scientific concepts into precision-designed therapeutic candidates, with more than 15 projects underway. By designing better drugs, faster, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.

The Role

We are expanding our in vitro cancer cell biology capabilities at our new state of the art laboratories in Milton Park and are seeking experienced, motivated, and dynamic individuals to join the primary pharmacology team. This team provides critical data driving our drug discovery projects and is in charge of conceiving, developing, and executing cellular assays for a range of target classes, often in areas of novel biology.

Successful applicants will be given the freedom to design, plan and execute a variety of experiments ensuring that the assays are fit-for-purpose, and that data is appropriately quality-controlled. In our newly built laboratories, we have access to a wide array of assay technologies (FRET, luminescence, FACs, imaging) with automation capabilities and are continually striving to deploy the latest technologies and develop ever more efficient processes.

Please note this is an on-site role at our Milton Park site in Oxford, with occasional flexibility to work from home in the UK. We are a flexible working organisation and we’re willing to consider other options which would provide similar contact time with the team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop assays to help drive development of therapeutic small molecules with a focus on compound characterisation and the rapid identification of candidate molecules in the oncology area.
• You will be expected to keep up with the latest scientific developments, evaluate new technologies and will have the opportunity to present both internally and externally.
• This is primarily a laboratory-based positions with scope for continual learning and development and exposure to all scientific disciplines within the drug discovery process from target validation to candidate selection.

Requirements

• Ph.D in Oncology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline or a BSc/MSc degree with significant relevant experience, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Sterile techniques and cell culture
• In vitro assay development and assay optimisation 
• Experience of cell-based assays such as proliferation, cell binding, cytokine release, and tumour killing
• Practical knowledge of a wide range of assay technologies such as FRET, flow cytometry and imaging 
• Experience of screening and data analysis including dose-response relationships
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work across multiple projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to communicate technical information to a non-specialist audience.

Benefits

• Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.
• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.
• Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
• We’re leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.
• Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.
• Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electric vehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.
• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.
• Help yourself to drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
• Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation that enable you to do your best work.
• We’ll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Learn more about why our team enjoy working at Exscientia here