JOB SUMMARY

Horizon is a leading life science company that delivers science-driven research solutions advancing the understanding of the genetic basis of disease and the delivery of better healthcare outcomes for patients. We act as a discovery partner for leading pharma and biotech companies worldwide, providing research services and tools to support the development of personalized medicines.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Scientist II to join the R&D base editing team based in Cambridge UK. The candidate will contribute to the development of a novel base editing platform for cell and gene therapy applications. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist with interest in CRISPR and gene editing and their therapeutic applications to gain experience working with a cutting-edge technology. This is a lab-based role, and the ideal candidates should be self-motivated, able to work to tight timelines and be comfortable working in a dynamic team under pressure in an environment with shifting priorities.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES & REQUIREMENTS

• A Ph.D. in a relevant field (such as cell biology/biochemistry/genetics or a closely related field) or Bachelor/Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
• Extensive cell culture experience
• Experience with phenotypic cell-based assays and molecular biology methods
• Good understanding and experience in CRISPR and/or genome editing
• Awareness of different gene delivery methods in vivo and in vitro
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent team player with a can-do approach: ability to work in a matrix-managed environment or as part of a project team
• Excellent troubleshooting and ability to adapt quickly to evolving priorities

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES & REQUIREMENTS

• Application of gene editing technologies to cell and gene therapy
• Practical experience in the field of CRISPR and/or gene editing
• Practical experience with different delivery methods used in cell and gene therapy applications
• Practical experience with induced pluripotent stem cells, T cells, NK cells, and/or other primary immune cell types
• Awareness of therapeutic areas relevant to cell and gene therapy

• Critically evaluate and apply new DNA base editor to disease targets
• Plan and perform experiments with the appropriate supervision, in accordance with project objective and deliverable requirements
• Analyse and interpret experimental data; identify and solve experimental problems
• Prepare high quality data packages, clearly disseminating the results of that research to the team and relevant stakeholders
• Maintain an awareness of the current techniques/technologies and apply these to the project
• Report on milestone progress and project status to the Project Leader
• Be an effective team member in supporting the research and development functions in Horizon