Research Associate - Engineered Translation

Who we are:

Constructive Bio is a growing Cambridge based biotechnology company built on a simple conviction: the molecules that matter most are often the ones that can’t yet be made.

We’ve rewritten the genetic code give cells access to new ncAA chemical building blocks - expanding the space of proteins that can be designed, engineered, and manufactured. Our platform moves from unexplored molecular territory to industrial-scale production, turning scientific possibility into manufacturable reality.

From next-generation medicines to advanced materials, Constructive shifts the question from “can we make this?” to “what should we make next?”

We’re proud to be a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. You can learn more about the Chin lab achievements here.

Since launching in 2022, Constructive Bio has raised $73 million in venture capital, including a $15 million seed round and a $58 million Series A, to commercialise our breakthrough synthetic genomics platform. Today, we are advancing a growing pipeline of programmes based on world-leading science, enabling the precise engineering of biology to create transformative medicines, materials and sustainable products. 

As a fast-growing biotech at the forefront of generative biology, we're building a team of exceptional people who share our ambition to redefine what's possible with biology. 

Join us and help shape the future of biology.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for a Research Associate to join our Engineered Translation team to help advance our discovery programmes by generating high-quality experimental data, improving platform capabilities. You will be contributing to the development of innovative technologies for genetic code expansion and industrial biotechnology applications.

Key responsibilities:

• Involvement in routine tRNA display pipeline discovery process dictated by project need
• Perform aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA molecule selection experiments for the discovery of novel means to genetically encode non-canonical building blocks for industrial applications.
• Involvement in ongoing display process optimisation efforts, performing experiments to improve the discovery pipeline.
• Troubleshoot and optimise experiments
• Maintain detailed documentation of all work in line with Constructive Bio’s electronic lab notebook standards
• Contribute to group discussions in group and departmental meeting

About you:

• BSc/MSc in Biological Sciences or closely related field with demonstrable passion for lab-based experimentation.
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience.
• The ability to execute protocols meticulously.
• Clear and concise communication and presentation skills.
• Molecular biology skills with a working knowledge of:
  • Precise stock solutions preparation.
  • DNA isolation, quality control and sequencing.
  • PCR & qPCR
  • Molecular cloning using Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, restriction digestion.
  • RNA isolation and handling.
  • Display-based technologies experience.
• Microbiology skills:
  • Excellent aseptic technique.
  • Electrocompetent cell preparation and transformations.
  • Performing bacterial plate-based reporter expression assays.
  • Strain archiving.
• Excellent record keeping.

Great to haves:

• Display-based technologies experience.
• Protein engineering mutagenesis library design.
• Familiarity with PyMol or similar molecular visualisation software.
• Real-time PCR.
• Illumina sequencing library preparation.
• Experience in genetic code expansion related projects and a familiarity to most recent and relevant peer-reviewed article outputs.

Other details:

• Onsite position based at our laboratory space in Whittlesford, Cambridge.
• Please note that our office space is dog friendly.

Salary and benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays   
• Company pension (matching up to 8%), life assurance, private medical insurance and group income protection schemes
• Opportunity to be part of our employee long term incentive scheme   
• Newly fitted, purpose-built facilities in Whittlesford, South Cambridge, with on-site parking and excellent rail links to Cambridge, London and Norwich   
• A collaborative and pioneering environment at the cutting edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation   

Our principles:

We are committed to building a culture founded on trust, respect and collaboration, where curiosity, openness and scientific excellence thrive.

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.     
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.    
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.    

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.