Research Assistant Coventry, England
Job description
OVO Biomanufacturing is an early stage biotech company that is developing a novel platform to improve the efficiency of viral vaccine manufacture. We are currently backed by grant and venture capital funding, having started from the Universities of Warwick and Coventry. Use of our novel platform by manufacturers can lead to multi-fold improvements in yields. Our team combines world leading experts both in academia and industry in the vaccine and virology fields.
We are seeking a highly motivated research assistant to immediately join our team at this exciting high growth, high potential stage of our company’s journey. Based at Coventry University’s state-of-art life sciences laboratories, the individual will both join our highly experienced team of scientists, but also will be part of the wider research ecosystem at the university. The role would initially be based on a 12-month contract with a view to offering a permanent contract post 12-months. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to join an early stage biotech that is performing cutting edge research and offers a unique opportunity to learn multidisciplinary skills that are only provided through early stage company’s such as OVO. Joining at this early stage also provides the individual with a potential for accelerated career growth based on expansion of the company.
OVO’s technology is based on helping vaccine manufacturers control the presence of defective interfering particles in their production processes. Defective interfering particles or DIPs are natural by-products of viral replication that inhibit viral replication. This inhibition is through DIPs out-replicating and outcompeting normal virus for cellular resources. OVO has found that this issue is not being effectively controlled by vaccine manufacturers who use viruses to produce their vaccines. This could be causing manufacturers as high as 10-fold fluctuations in yield, costing potentially $10s of millions in increased costs every year. OVO’s technology is a software based platform that uses next generation sequencing (NGS) to advise manufacturers on how to control and maintain optimal DIP levels thereby maximising yield.
Activities
The main focus for this role is to work on the development of our platform. As part of our team of scientists, the individual will work with a wide variety of viruses to generate a comprehensive portfolio of viral stocks that will be used to generate next generation sequencing (NGS) data. The individual would also work with our team to help analyse this data, which would then be used to help inform and develop the specific models underpinning our software.
Further to this the individual would:
· Help to collate and present research findings at both internal and external meetings.
· Contribute to a range of key strategic documents including: reports and presentations and patent applications.
Candidate profile
Required skills:
· A BSc degree or higher in a relevant discipline (Molecular Biology / Molecular Genetics /Virology).
· Experience in cell and viral culture (although viral culture not essential and can be taught).
· Use of standard molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA purification etc.).
· Strong IT skills (proficiency in Microsoft office etc).
Compensation
· Competitive salary.
· Potential bonus dependent on company’s performance.
· Flexible working hours.
· 28 days holiday per year plus bank holidays.
Company Website
https://www.ovobiomanufacturing.com
How to apply
Apply with a CV and cover letter through indeed.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £25,500.00-£27,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Education:
- Bachelor's (preferred)
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 13/03/2023
