Are you passionate about cutting-edge biology, stem cell systems, and building something from the ground up? Ready to take a leading role in shaping scientific direction within an early-stage biotech environment where your ideas, experience, and impact truly matter?
We’re supporting a pioneering biotech startup in the search for a Production Scientist / Senior Scientist to join as one of their first scientific hires. This is a unique opportunity to help build a platform focused on developing advanced human biological models to support drug discovery and translational research.
If you enjoy hands-on experimental work, designing and improving complex in vitro systems, and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where priorities evolve, this could be the perfect role for you.
About the opportunity:
This is a 14-month contract position (with potential to transition into a permanent role) based in a newly established laboratory environment.
Due to the nature of experimental timelines, the role requires flexibility to occasionally work weekends, with time taken back during the week to ensure balance.
You’ll work closely with founders and scientific leadership, helping define workflows, protocols, and the long-term direction of the platform.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, optimise, and scale complex human stem cell-derived 3D culture models
- Design and execute experiments to support platform development and validation
- Establish robust lab protocols across cell culture, differentiation, and analysis workflows
- Apply techniques such as immunostaining, microscopy, and molecular biology assays
- Interpret and present experimental data clearly to internal stakeholders
- Build repeatable, scalable processes with strong emphasis on quality and reproducibility
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and continuously improve outputs
- Contribute to scientific planning, company strategy, and technical documentation
- Support collaboration across a small, ambitious team in a startup environment
Skills & Experience:
- PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological field (e.g. stem cell biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, developmental biology)
- Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Experience with stem cells, organoids, assembloids, or complex 3D culture systems
- Practical experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular/cell biology techniques
- Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments
- Strong understanding of assay development, reproducibility, and experimental quality control
- Experience in biotech, pharma, or translational research environments (highly beneficial)
- Exposure to commercial assay/platform development or workflow scaling is advantageous
- Familiarity with automation, QC processes, or high-throughput workflows is beneficial
Why you will love working here:
- Salary between £35,000 and £45,000, depending on experience
- Be one of the first hires in a high potential biotech startup
- Pension scheme
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and official closure days over the Christmas period.
Requirements
Benefits
Skills Required
- PhD or equivalent experience in stem cell biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, developmental biology or related field
- Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Experience with stem cells, organoids, assembloids, or complex 3D culture systems
- Practical experience with immunohistochemistry/immunostaining and fluorescence microscopy
- Practical molecular and cell biology techniques and assay development experience
- Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments
- Strong understanding of reproducibility, experimental quality control, and robust protocol development
- Experience in biotech, pharma, or translational research environments
- Exposure to commercial assay/platform development or workflow scaling
- Familiarity with automation, QC processes, or high-throughput workflows
- Willingness to occasionally work weekends with flexitime compensation
What We Do
Vero HR is a UK-based HR outsourcing firm that provides a configurable, scalable blend of expert advice, services, and technology to help organizations manage their people. They offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, including payroll, recruitment, HR technology, and employment law, acting as an extension of their clients' teams to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and drive performance across various sectors, from SMEs to established enterprises.
