Scientific Support Operative

Who we are

RoukenBio – CRO redefined. 

We take our tagline seriously, disrupting the traditional CRO model with our personalised and collaborative approach. We provide our global customer base with in vitro research services across the therapeutic areas of inflammation, auto-immunity, immuno-oncology and oncology. Backed by brilliant minds, our high-quality data accelerates customers’ drug discovery journeys to the clinic. From our beginnings in 2015, to our current vision of being the most trusted research partner to biotherapeutic innovators, we prioritise sustainable growth. We’re not all scientists and academics; we are a diverse, talented, and fun team who work hard and enjoy the occasional pizza Friday.

Interested? Apply now to become part of the team at an innovative CRO. 

The role 

As Scientific Support Operative you will take all the skills, learning, knowledge and experience gained as a Junior Scientific Support Operative to the next level. You will gain a greater technical understanding of our technical and quality processes and why they are used beyond simply performing the tasks. You will also gain a greater insight and responsibility for the progress of customer studies by contributing to discussions to ensure the required cells, reagents, and proteins are available and on time.

The role involves supporting the Operations department by ensuring the smooth running of the laboratory through providing media, cells, proteins and support during assay work and thus delivering high quality data to our customers whilst collaborating and communicating with Operations and Quality colleagues to ensure the smooth running of laboratory practices and customer projects.

In addition, this role carries the responsibility of providing training to other personnel in processes that the department are responsible for (cell culture, for example).

What we expect you to do

Laboratory Techniques:

• Understand and follow cell culture processes including: thaw, maintenance, banking and release testing of all cell lines for routine and pre-assay cell culture
• Prepare all media, reagents, and buffers 
• Perform assay component tasks including but not limited to: PBMC thaw, assay take offs, plate coating and data checks.
• Perform all aspects of CLD studies including transductions, selection, expansion, cloning out and document review.
• Perform all steps of protein purification and QC tests. 
• Set up Data Generating Equipment for colleagues within the Operations team and perform data reads where required.
• Participate in dedicated cell line development projects within the team. 
• Carry out environmental monitoring of the lab. 
• Perform new techniques as directed by Scientific Support Supervisor/Manager.

General:

• Independently prepare documentation for custom media/reagents/cell culture.
• Under supervision, prepare cell banking procedures and ensure full traceability of our cell banks from thaw through to release. 
• Schedule all cell culture for cell banks without supervision.
• Create and book in new cell banks in LIMS. 
• Complete study records and input information into CoAs for in house materials such as cell banks and proteins. 
• Advise procurement when additional materials/stock needs ordered. 
• Be the technical lead on non DGE equipment. 

Training:

• Provide on the job training for all practical skills covered by the Scientific Support team including demonstration, supervision and feedback. 

  Compliance:

• Create or adapt new documents for new media/reagent preparations.
• Independently identify, undertake, and complete both simple and complex change controls. 
• Propose ideas for continual improvement and collaborate and participate in implementation. 
• Write basic risk assessments e.g. media/reagent alternatives.
• Lead Scientific Support deviations and CAPAs where appropriate.
• Ensure all documentation is archived in a timely manner.

  Health and Safety: 

• Adhere to all health and safety policies in the workplace.
• Always wear PPE that is appropriate to the task being carried out.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH documentation in support of correct handling and storage.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH documentation in support of disposal of materials and biological waste.
• Prepare COSHH and health and safety risk assessments, supported by the Health & Safety Committee. 
• Identify and report and hazards or accidents observed in the workplace to the Health and Safety Committee.

What we are looking for from you

What you'll get from us

You will get the chance to learn, grow, develop, and enhance your career within a biotechnology company at the forefront of drug development strategies. In addition, the company offers the following benefits package: 

• Starting salary of £21,840 to £26,648, which is band/experience dependent. 
• Pension.
• 32 days holiday per annum (inclusive of public holidays) which increases to a maximum of 37.
• Death in Benefit Service which includes access to a 24/7 virtual GP.
• Flexible working.
• Yearly Audible subscription. 
• Refer a Friend Scheme.
• On-site car parking. 
• Free Healthy Snacks.
• Merit Award Recognition Scheme.
• The opportunity to join several committees or focus groups (Employee Engagement, Wellness, Recognition, Health & Safety or Social Committee).