Research Associate - Aptamer
On-siteLondon, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Conduct SELEX experiments for small molecule targets using wet lab workflows including affinity chromatography, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification, and next-gen sequencing. Perform nucleic acid oligo design and bioinformatic analyses to identify aptamer candidates, then validate binding via Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Surface Plasmon Resonance, plate-based fluorescence assays, and melt curve analysis. Collaborate with sensor design leadership to define future R&D directions and refine biosensing protocols. This role supports early-stage biosensor development at a TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 top 20 startup, focusing on real-time monitoring of endocrine biomarkers for personalized health.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelors degree or higher
- At least 2 years of industry experience (full-time wet lab)
- Proficiency in molecular biology and chemistry lab workflows such as affinity chromatography, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification, and binding assays
- Prior work in a start-up or small company environment
Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge or experience in the handling and study of hydrophobic compounds (e.g., hormones), the handling and study of bio-fluids, and the development of simulated bio-fluid model solutions, biosensing principles
- Bioinformatics experience, Bash, Python, R languages, next-gen seq data processing, sequence motif analysis, nucleic acid 2D-prediction, or nucleic acid design (e.g., primer design)
- Knowledge or experience next-gen sequencing and Illumina systems, nucleic acid synthesis and purification
- Knowledge or experience with biophysical characterization, ITC, SPR, CD spectroscopy, biosensing, fluorescence characterization approaches, or macromolecular structural characterization using NMR, SAXS, docking or MD simulations
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