Associate Scientist - Antibody Technologies (On-site: Cambridge, UK)

HRFJB25/0022

Cambridge, UK

Our Organization

FairJourney Biologics acquired IONTAS in 2020 which is now one of our key innovation and technology centres. This site is located at the Unity Campus, south of Cambridge, a growing hub for life sciences and technology organizations. FairJourney Biologics operates across three global sites (Porto - Portugal, Cambridge - UK, and San Francisco - USA), and is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges and helping them bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects utilising a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognized for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Associate Scientist to join our Technology Unit, the research and development arm of FairJourney Biologics.

This is a lab-based role ideal for candidates with strong technical expertise and a passion for experimental science. As an Associate Scientist, you will contribute to the development and implementation of solutions for next-generation antibody discovery technologies. You will execute complex experimental workflows independently, support platform development efforts, and collaborate with scientists across our Technology and Discovery teams.

Note: This is a fully on-site role based at our South Cambridge site - ideal for scientists who thrive in hands-on lab environments and value team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute experimental protocols supporting the development of new antibody discovery technologies.
• Support optimisation of single B cell and mammalian display screening workflows using FACS and microfluidics.
• Contribute technical expertise to the evaluation of emerging antibody discovery tools and methods.
• Assist in preparing SOPs and experimental documentation.
• Work with team members to ensure reproducibility and scalability of protocols.
• Work closely with scientists across the Technology and Discovery units to support development goals.
• Provide regular updates on experimental progress to project leads.

Data Interpretation & Reporting

• Accurately document, analyse, and report experimental results.
• Support data review and troubleshooting activities.

Your Profile

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• In-depth understanding and practical experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA cloning (restriction-based, Gibson, or Golden Gate cloning), vector construction and plasmid preparation, gel electrophoresis and nucleic acid purification, and PCR.
• Experience working with mammalian cell lines and primary immune cells (e.g., mouse or human B or T cells), including enrichment and culture techniques.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
• Experience performing plate-based immunoassays, such as ELISA, MSD (Meso Scale Discovery) or AlphaLISA, for the detection and quantification of antibodies or other proteins.
• Familiarity with protein analysis methods including SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Diligent with scientific documentation and electronic record keeping.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Industry experience in a CRO, biotech, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Familiarity with additional immunoassays such as HTRF, FRET or Luminex multiplex bead-based assays.
• Experience with antibody discovery technologies (phage, mammalian, yeast or single B cells).
• Familiarity with microfluidics-based antibody screening.
• Knowledge of antibody molecular biology (e.g., VH/VL cloning).
• Basic bioinformatics skills (e.g., sequence analysis).

We Offer

Why Join FairJourney Biologics / IONTAS?

Be Part of a Global Team

By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, and San Francisco. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights across sites, and contribute to ground-breaking antibody discovery projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies

IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.

As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.

• Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
• Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients, and the broader scientific community.
• Drive your career growth through diverse project exposure, technology ownership, and global collaboration.
• Attractive salary & benefits package, including pension and life insurance.
• Generous parental leave policies
• Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a cafe and a vibrant social community.

A Culture That Empowers

We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter-helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.

Applications must be submitted directly through our website before May 30th Apply now

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Email

Subject

Questions or remarks

upload your CV (max size 1MB)

limit 1mb per file

upload your cover letter (max size 1MB)

limit 1mb per file

I give consent to the processing of the personal data I have submitted for the purpose of this recruitment process and to have that data stored for future recruitment processes. I have been informed of my rights, in the Privacy Policy section available in this website, and under the REGULATION (EU) 2016/679 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 April 2016, to access, rectify and request the elimination of my personal information from your data base. I have also been informed of both the appropriate contact for the submission of my request and the right to withdraw this consent at any time.