Scientist I/II (Upstream)

Company Description

LGC’s Diagnostics and Genomics Business Unit encompasses a wide range of operating entities focussed on the development and manufacture of diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with in vitro diagnostics (IVD) assay developers and pharmaceutical, CRO, and academic institutions, in commercialisation activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline - from concept and early-stage research, through expedited product development, and onwards into routine clinical use. Lab-based and diagnostic professionals across disciplines including clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics, and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable results.

The Native Antigen Company (TNAC) sits within LGC’s Diagnostics and Genomics Business Unit and operates an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK. TNAC is a manufacturer and supplier of antigens and antibodies that form key components in vaccine research and in the accurate diagnosis of a wide range of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Our customer base includes key pharmaceutical and IVD companies, the academic sector, and a diverse range of biotechnology companies. Alongside TNAC, LGC’s Diagnostics and Genomics Business Unit includes SeraCare Life Sciences, Maine Standards Company, Technopath, Biosearch Technologies, and Axolabs, among others.

Job Description

The role of Scientist I/II (Upstream) is to support TNAC’s R&D function by following SOPs, as directed by senior staff in areas such as molecular biology, cell culture, and protein purification. The role will be mainly lab-based.

Key roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working proficiently and independently to existing SOPs in the following fields:
  • Molecular Biology. Construction of expression vectors using standard techniques such as: RNA and DNA extraction; preparative and analytical PCR; reverse-transcription PCR; restriction digestion; agarose electrophoresis; Gibson assembly; preparation of transfection-grade plasmids at various scales; Sanger and Nanopore sequencing.
  • Bacterial cell culture. Preparation of growth media; transformation of bacteria; expression testing and optimisation of culture conditions; native and recombinant protein expression at various scales; harvesting and QC testing of raw materials.
  • Mammalian cell culture. Maintenance of cell lines; performing small- and large-scale transfections; harvesting and QC testing of raw materials.
  • Protein purification and analysis. Preparation of suitable buffers; small-scale FPLC purification of target proteins using spin columns; SDS-PAGE; Western blotting; and ELISA.
• Day-to-day reporting of results to line manager(s), as required.
• Helping with ordering and maintaining stock levels of high-turnover items and reagents.
• Meticulous record-keeping.
• Weekly supervisor meetings.
• Attendance and presentation at weekly lab meetings.
• Developing an ability to understand and convey relevant published research.
• Additional duties, as required by senior R&D staff.

The Scientist I/II (Upstream) will also be able to demonstrate the following traits in line with LGC’s Core Values:

• Passion: Pride in our achievements engenders passion for our work and translates into our shared ambition to make the world a safer place.
• Curiosity: We constantly look forward to what's next: our curiosity for today's discoveries makes tomorrow's innovations possible.
• Integrity: A commitment to high ethical standards has been at the heart of LGC since we first started testing the integrity of products in 1842.
• Brilliance: We strive to be the very best in everything we say and do. We exceed customers' expectations through innovation and pioneering science.
• Respect: We respect gender, age, nationality, religion, and individuality - our diversity is our strength.

Qualifications

A life sciences-based degree