C. Elegans Research Scientist

Magnitude Biosciences Ltd is a unique contract research organisation with the mission to deploy the power of the nematode C. elegans to solve research problems for our clients. These challenges include drug discovery in biotech, understanding the mode of action of nutritional supplements or the toxicity of industrial chemicals. We require a researcher with C. elegans experience to join our fast-growing and diverse team to help us deliver high quality science for our customers.

Most importantly, you need to be someone with the passion and drive to adapt their research skills to a commercial setting, the willingness to learn new techniques and ways of working from the Magnitude Biosciences team and the readiness to contribute your own unique skills and experience. With anything between 1 year or decades of experience of C. elegans research, your roles and responsibilities will depend on your current abilities and expertise.

A more experienced scientist will be expected to lead their own client projects. A less experienced scientist will work with others initially but be expected to develop to a more independent role as they gain the appropriate skills. Regardless of level you be a valued member of the team and will be expected to assist other team members when required.

We use our unique custom technology to monitor worm movement on petri dishes automatically, allowing robust healthspan data or comprehensive characterisation of worm in behavioural assays. We have careful and controlled protocols for preparing worms and a well organised lab to enable excellent reproducibility of our experiments. This role involves preparing and picking huge numbers of worms, so you have to enjoy that part of the job. As well as interacting with the lab team on a daily basis, you will liaise with team members working on the technology, sales and marketing, management and most importantly, our customers. In addition to lab work, you will be required to assist the sales team to help find solutions to customer problems using your experience of C. elegans research or from reading the appropriate literature.

At Magnitude Biosciences, you will enjoy a good work-life balance, supportive team and the opportunity to grow your skills and responsibilities in new areas. The Magnitude Biosciences lab is situated at NETPark, a growing science park in Sedgefield, about 10 miles from the historic city of Durham in the North East of England, and if you don’t live in the area, you will be expected to relocate here.

Essential Criteria

An undergraduate degree in a biological discipline.

At least a year of experience working with C. elegans in a research lab.

High levels of manual dexterity, including being able to pick large numbers of worms.

Fantastic ability to communicate both verbally and in writing

Willingness to adapt and learn to work in a commercial setting

Ability to work in a team.

Desirable criteria (a bonus if you have them but not necessary to get the job)

Molecular biology skills

Experience making transgenic C. elegans

Experience in the research fields of ageing, neurodegeneration, microbiome or toxicity

Any commercial experience

A Masters’ degree or PhD in a relevant discipline

Interviews

A shortlist of applicants will first be interviewed by Zoom. Candidates that impress at this stage will be invited to visit the lab for a face-to-face interview. Due to the likelihood of international travel restrictions at this stage, candidates will have to consider the implications of possible quarantine before applying.

Application

Please send your application including a statement of why you are suitable for the job, how you fit the job criteria and your CV to info@magnitudebiosciences.com by May 28, 2021.

Any questions, please email info@magnitudebiosciences.com

Find out more about the company at https://magnitudebiosciences.com