Associate Scientist - Tumour Biology
T-Cypher Bio is an early-stage, innovative biotechnology company aiming to unlock an expansive target space to build a pipeline of novel, T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapeutics. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Associate Scientist to join our Tumour Biology team. The successful candidate will contribute to the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics by executing in vitro and ex vivo experiments to understand tumour biology, mechanism of action, and therapeutic response.
What you will do
The primary focus of this role will be to execute experiments establishing and characterizing primary tumour cultures and normal cells from clinical patient samples. The ideal candidate should have hands on experience culturing mammalian cells under sterile conditions and have a keen interest in cancer biology.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of solid tumor tissues (e.g., PDX, primary patient biopsies) into single-cell suspensions using established protocols.
- Optimize dissociation protocols for different tumour types to preserve cell viability, heterogeneity, and functional characteristics.
- Isolate specific cell populations (e.g., cancer cells, immune cells, stromal components) as needed using techniques such as magnetic bead sorting or flow cytometry.
- Isolate and cryopreserve PBMCs from patient and healthy donor blood samples.
- Establish and maintain cultures of primary tumor and normal cells.
- Maintain and expand cultures of single cell clones that have been established from modified cancer cell lines.
- Monitor cell health, morphology, and growth dynamics; passage and cryopreserve cell stocks.
- Extraction of RNA and DNA from cell lines or patient samples for analysis
- Customize media formulations and supplements to support long-term viability and functional integrity of tumour cultures.
- Prioritisation of personal workloads and coordination of scientific work streams and processes.
- Analyse and record experimental results and communicate findings to the team and to management.
- Maintain and implement good laboratory practices, including accurate laboratory notebook systems, instrument and reagent maintenance, and personnel safety precautions.
To be successful you will need
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related life science field.
- 1+ year of laboratory experience in a cancer biology or tissue culture setting, ideally in industry or translational research.
- Demonstrated experience with dissociation of solid tumors into single-cell suspensions and standard aseptic techniques and sterile handling procedures.
- Proficiency in cell-based assays and molecular biology techniques.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to troubleshoot and optimize protocols.
- Excellent teamwork, organizational, and communication skills.
- Analysing & presenting results in a concise and accurate manner to the wider team
- Ability to adapt to multiple roles in a matrixed, fast-paced and evolving company
- Enjoy working towards challenging goals in a fast-moving environment
- Ability to follow and write protocols and SOPs
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment
What we offer
Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Modern, well-equipped office and laboratory facilities on Oxford Science Park.
Training and development opportunities in-line with the company’s goals and growth plans.
An exciting opportunity to help establish an early-stage biotech with ambitions to impact patients’ lives.
How to apply
Applications will be evaluated in the order that they are received, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications will close once the position is filled.