Production Scientist

Are you passionate about cutting-edge biology, stem cell systems, and building something from the ground up? Ready to take a leading role in shaping scientific direction within an early-stage biotech environment where your ideas, experience, and impact truly matter?

We’re supporting a pioneering biotech startup in the search for a Production Scientist / Senior Scientist to join as one of their first scientific hires. This is a unique opportunity to help build a platform focused on developing advanced human biological models to support drug discovery and translational research.

If you enjoy hands-on experimental work, designing and improving complex in vitro systems, and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where priorities evolve, this could be the perfect role for you.

About the opportunity

• This is a 14-month contract position (with potential to transition into a permanent role) based in a newly established laboratory environment.
• Due to the nature of experimental timelines, the role requires flexibility to occasionally work weekends, with time taken back during the week to ensure balance.
• You’ll work closely with founders and scientific leadership, helping define workflows, protocols, and the long-term direction of the platform.

In this role, you will

• Develop, optimise, and scale complex human stem cell-derived 3D culture models
• Design and execute experiments to support platform development and validation
• Establish robust lab protocols across cell culture, differentiation, and analysis workflows
• Apply techniques such as immunostaining, microscopy, and molecular biology assays
• Interpret and present experimental data clearly to internal stakeholders
• Build repeatable, scalable processes with strong emphasis on quality and reproducibility
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and continuously improve outputs
• Contribute to scientific planning, company strategy, and technical documentation
• Support collaboration across a small, ambitious team in a startup environment

Skills & Experience

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological field (e.g. stem cell biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, developmental biology)
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Experience with stem cells, organoids, assembloids, or complex 3D culture systems
• Practical experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular/cell biology techniques
• Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments
• Strong understanding of assay development, reproducibility, and experimental quality control
• Experience in biotech, pharma, or translational research environments (highly beneficial)
• Exposure to commercial assay/platform development or workflow scaling is advantageous
• Familiarity with automation, QC processes, or high-throughput workflows is beneficial

Why you will love working here

• Salary between £35,000 and £45,000, depending on experience
• Be one of the first hires in a high potential biotech startup
• Pension scheme
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and official closure days over the Christmas period.

Requirements

Benefits