Scientist I Full Time

Company DescriptionAptamer Group specialises in the development of Optimer® binders to advance innovation across the life sciences sector. These novel binders are designed to provide high specificity and affinity for diverse applications, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and research. Aptamer Group is committed to enabling breakthroughs in healthcare and biotechnology by offering cutting-edge molecule solutions. The company focuses on driving innovative solutions to address critical needs in medical and scientific fields.Role As a Scientist I at Aptamer Group, you will play a key role within the operations team, independently carrying out departmental aptamer selection to agreed deadlines. You will contribute to a continuous improvement culture with the scope and expectation to troubleshoot process issues and implement meaningful improvements. This role will initially focus on the protein selection process but has scope to be expanded to cell selection, characterisation, small molecule selection and sequencing according to the resource needs of the business.Main responsibilities Perform all aspects of the aptamer selection process, as outlined in the SOP/WI, relevant to the department. Ensuring consistent and timely delivery of results.Consistently produce high-quality data with a low number of individual human error non-conformities.Planning & organisation of individual workload, with assistance from senior scientists/team leaders to ensure on-time delivery for customer projects.Maintain laboratory stocks, reagents, cleanliness, and equipment.Ensure compliance with all quality and health-and-safety processes.Support the transfer of projects between teams by providing clear documentation and updates.Communicate well with the wider operations team to ensure smooth running in the laboratories.Support a continuous improvement culture by identifying areas for process improvement and working with senior staff to implement changes.Carry out process improvement/troubleshooting tasks as instructed by the line manager or senior scientist.Maintain excellent documentation with raw data following ALCOA+ principles.Contribute to project communication documents (e.g., slide decks, end-of-phase report sections) as requested.Maintain training records to document progress in competencies and complete timesheets to track time on projects.Essential Skills and Expertise A minimum of 1-2 years of laboratory experience in a GxP lab or equivalent.Good understanding of GxP principles with a willingness to challenge quality issues as they are found.A high level of integrity which prioritises process QualityMotivation to learn and expand your skillset into other departments.Experience/understanding of a range of research and molecular biology analytical techniques, such as gel electrophoresis, PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR, ELISA, BLI, and cell culture.Excellent organisation and communication skills, both verbal and written.Experience in generating and interpreting data.The ability to learn and use complex laboratory equipment with appropriate training.Good teamworking skills.Time management.Desirable SkillsKnowledge and experience of working with proteins is preferred but not essential.Experience working in an ISO 9001 environment is preferred but not essential. Personal Qualifications Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree qualified in Biological sciences, Biotechnology or related disciplineAdditional Information We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.