In this role, you will be integral to internal R&D and commercial projects, focusing on all facets of generating, manufacturing, and characterizing adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for both in-vitro and in-vivo applications (non-GMP). As part of the Viral Vector Manufacture group, your work will involve TESSA adenoviral vectors and AAV vectors. Strong communication, scientific curiosity, and teamwork skills are essential, as you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to achieve high-quality outcomes. You will gain comprehensive experience in viral vector development, including mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, viral vector purification, and analytical methods. This role is ideal for individuals seeking growth and advancement in biopharmaceutical production processes and scale-up, while contributing to the ambitious objectives of a dynamic company.

• Collaborative Planning: Partner with Scientist and Senior Scientist colleagues to define objectives and identify key support needs for laboratory functions.
• AAV Vector Production: Contribute to the routine manufacture and characterization of AAV vectors for research and commercial purposes, with guidance and supervision.
• Lab Work Excellence: Execute lab tasks to a high standard, including:
• Upstream production of viral vectors at shake flask scale for research purposes.
• Downstream purification of viral vectors using chromatography techniques.
• Titration and quality analysis of viral vector materials within scheduled timelines.
• Data Analysis: Analyze experimental results and provide insightful interpretations.
• Compliance and Improvement: Adhere to the company’s Quality Management Systems and support process improvements, such as writing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Lab Maintenance: Ensure laboratory cleanliness and equipment maintenance to OXGENE standards, uphold safe working practices, and perform general housekeeping duties.
• Communication: Coordinate and communicate effectively with colleagues and management to ensure efficient lab operations.
• Technical Reporting: Present technical information and experimental results within the company.
• Departmental Support: Provide flexible support to other areas of the AAV Department as needed, including additional training.

Qualifications:

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology). Advanced degrees or additional laboratory experience will be advantageous.
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to self-organize, multi-task, and prioritize tasks to ensure timely project completion.
• Attention to Detail: Keen attention to detail, effective time management, and strong communication, teamwork, and numerical skills.
• Documentation Skills: Experience in precise documentation of work, reagent preparation, and sample tracking, ideally with electronic systems (such as ELN/LIMS).
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Criteria:

• Cell Culture and Assays: Experience with mammalian cell culture, qPCR, and/or TCID50 assays.
• Chromatography Expertise: Knowledge of and experience with chromatography techniques for viral vector purification.
• Biological Systems Understanding: Familiarity with biological systems and production processes, particularly related to viral vector production.
• Quality Management Systems: Experience working within controlled quality management systems, such as ISO 9001 or GxP.

Salary Range:

• £23,000 pa - £31,000 pa     

Job Location

We have offices in the UK and USA. This role will be located at The Oxford Science Park, four miles south east of Oxford, with parking and good public transport links from Oxford.   

Our UK office address is: The Oxford Science Park, Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford, OX4 4HG.  

How to Apply

Please complete the application form on our website and attach your CV.Your CV should include evidence that demonstrates how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks.   

Internal applicants: please apply directly to Human Resources, copying your line manager into the email.   

Sending us your personal information means that you are asking us to hold your data on file, and understand that we will only keep it for as long as we need it to comply with the Data Protection Act.  

Closing Date

This advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity.  

Information for International Candidates 

By the start of employment, the successful candidate must have, and be able to demonstrate, permission to work in the UK.   

Unfortunately, as a small company, we have very limited ability to sponsor employees under skilled worker Visa route, and we are unable to sponsor this for international graduates / candidates.  

MORE ABOUT OXGENE  

Company benefits   

OXGENE offers a generous benefits package:  

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service and 8 UK bank/public holidays per annual leave year and a day off on your birthday  
• Pension with salary exchange and generous employer contribution  
• Discretionary performance related annual bonus
• Group life cover  
• Group Income Protection   
• Glasses vouchers  
• Employee assistance programme  
• Private medical insurance with additional wellness benefits (as a benefit in kind)  
• Free tea, coffee, fruit-juice, fruit and biscuits, with kitchen facilities  

Company culture and environment   

OXGENE offers a friendly and diverse working environment:

• Opportunity to make a difference in a promotion-from-within environment  
• Regular whole-company presentations, including regular scientific updates  
• Regular social events, including TGI Friday activities  
• Annual staff away days    

Diversity and equality of opportunity   

We provide all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables and empowers everyone to develop and deliver professional excellence. We recognise that diversity is vital for innovation and creativity and value each individual’s contribution. OXGENE’s decision to employ and promote individuals will be determined by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the role. The ability to perform the role will be the primary consideration on entry into employment and to successfully pass probation.  

The application process   

When we receive your application, we will look at it carefully to see if you are right for the role. We aim to contact all successful candidates within 2-3 weeks of application. If you haven’t received a telephone call or an e-mail from us in this time, it means you have not been selected on this occasion.  

Due to the number of applications, we receive, we are unable to provide feedback for candidates who are not selected for interview. We thank you for your application and interest in OXGENE. 

Pre-employment screening   

All appointments will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work in the UK, proof of identity and references. 

Information for recruitment agencies    

We only accept CVs from our partnership recruitment agencies.