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Research / Senior Scientist

Cambridge
Full-time
Permanent employee

Overview

We’re looking for a technically capable and reliable Senior/Research Scientist to join our Discovery Team at Sortera Bio. This is a lab-based role focused on the operation of our proprietary Deep Screening technology, and provision of broader support for library preparation, NGS, and hit validation workflows.

You’ll become a core operator of Deep Screening, running experiments from inputs to hit profiling on internal discovery and partnership projects. This role would suit a molecular biologist or antibody engineer with the ability to handle complex processes with consistency and who is looking to apply their skills to a cutting-edge technology at a pivotal point in the platform’s development.

About the role

Deep Screening operations

  • Run Deep Screening experiments end-to-end on internal and partner projects
  • Prepare and QC library and protein inputs for screening
  • Carry out library preparation and NGS workflows
  • Maintain Deep Screening instruments and reagent stocks      
  • Accurately record and present experimental data, through contributions to project team discussions and Benchling ELN entries
  • Interpret experimental outcomes using data from Deep Screening and off-platform assays to contribute to hypothesis generation and inform decisions on hit progression
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of protocols and SOPs, documenting optimisations and new methods as the platform evolves

Library preparation and molecular biology

  • Carry out routine molecular biology tasks such as gel extractions, qPCR, Gibson assembly, and related techniques
  • Support display technology selection campaigns as required by project needs
  • Assist with the preparation and QC of enriched library pools as substrates for Deep Screening

Hit validation and characterisation

  • Isolate and express antibody hits in relevant formats (e.g. scFv, VHH) using established protocols
  • Run off-platform binding assays to generate orthogonal validation data for internal and partner projects
As an early-stage company, we expect roles to evolve as we grow. You'll work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where initiative and attention to detail are valued, and where there are genuine opportunities to expand your technical capabilities.

About you

Essential

  • Degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, protein engineering, or a closely related discipline. PhD or equivalent industry experience preferred
  • Experience with antibody/protein or peptide discovery and engineering
  • Molecular biology skills such as qPCR, Gibson assembly, site-directed mutagenesis, and related techniques
  • Ability to execute complex laboratory protocols with precision and consistency
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to rigorous documentation and data integrity
  • Good organisational skills and able to manage multiple tasks in a startup environment
  • Team player with clear communication skills and a proactive approach to science

 

Desirable

  • Practical experience with a display technology such as phage, yeast, or ribosome display
  • Experience with a biophysical characterisation method (e.g. SPR, BLI, MST, or ITC)
  • Familiarity with NGS library preparation and sequencing data interpretation
  • Proficiency in Python or equivalent for data analysis
  • Experience with VHH and scFv antibody formats
  • Experience with functional assay development (cell-based, biochemical, or immunoassay formats)
  • Understanding of antibody sequence-function relationships and early-stage hit triage
We value diversity, encourage applications from underrepresented groups, and recognise that people have a wide range of personal circumstances. What matters to us is that you’re a good fit for the role – we are happy to discuss flexibility and any accommodations that may be helpful.

Interested?

To apply, please send us your CV and cover letter using the button below.

If this role isn’t quite right for you but you would like to be considered for future roles, please send your CV to careers@sortera.bio giving us an idea of what you’re looking for.

Strictly no agencies. Any CVs submitted by agencies that we have not instructed will be considered as gifts.

About us

Sortera Bio is a multidisciplinary biotechnology company based in Cambridge UK that specialises in the discovery and development of innovative biopharmaceuticals. At the core of our approach is Deep Screening, a proprietary high-throughput experimental platform that revolutionises the screening process by enabling the rapid, parallel evaluation of 10⁸ to 10⁹ sequence-function pairs. This powerful technology generates vast datasets that provide a comprehensive understanding of the global fitness landscape for biologics, delivering both positive and negative results—both critical for the effective application of machine learning in drug discovery. Our platform enables breakthroughs in a matter of days, achieving what previously took months or even years.