Applications Scientist - mRNA

Role Overview - Primary Objective

To help develop the capabilities of mass photometry (MP) for mRNA bioprocessing.

How you'll achieve it

Working in the biology function around chemists, biochemists, software and instrument engineers the mRNA scientist is responsible for developing new calibrants, consumables and assays, as well as validating and informing the design of surface, software and instruments for mRNA analysis.

The mRNA scientist will work with colleagues across the R&D team to establish best practice when handling mRNA samples, design experiments and interpret results. All informing the development of new consumables or instruments for use in mRNA manufacturing. They will work with product management and external partners in mRNA bioprocessing to ensure products are scientifically robust and aligned with market need.

Key responsibilities for this role include:  

• Acquire, analyse and interpret datasets to guide the development and delivery of new innovative consumables and instrumentation platforms for analysing mRNA.
• Routine testing of new surfaces, cassettes, calibrants, and reagents, to aid product development.
• Working closely with applications specialists, systems engineers and software developers to deliver new designs or features.
• Facilitating system validation testing for next generation platforms, to ensure alignment between hardware, software (including UI/UX) and consumables, with focus on delivering robust and reliable workflows for mRNA.
• Working with external partners to deliver customer aligned solutions
• Actively participate in the growth of Refeyn’s IP portfolio and identifying patentable IP
• Understand and define complex technical specifications and requirements and interpret these to realise new designs/features quickly.
• Keep up to date on the cutting-edge advances in the fields of light microscopy, light scattering and single molecule bioanalytics, with a view to offer novel approaches and improvements to the bioprocessing roadmap.

We are ideally looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• MSc or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Self-starting and excited by the prospect of working alongside/contributing to a multi-disciplinary team focussed on developing novel products for cell and gene therapy manufacture.
• Data analysis to support design decisions
• Working across multiple project areas simultaneously and solving complex technical challenges. 
• Technical and scientific rigour and attention to detail

The following would also be advantageous:

• Relevant experience working with mRNA, analytical development and validation, and/or mRNA bioprocessing.
• Experience in bioprocessing or assay development

We know there is no such thing as the perfect candidate and that there is great value in transferrable skills, so please don’t feel you have to tick all of the above boxes to apply!

Why work for Refeyn?

Compensation and core benefits

• We anticipate a base salary of £40,000 to £65,000 for this role, depending on candidate experience 
• 25 days annual leave per year in addition to bank holidays
• Up to 7% employer matched pension contribution
• Private health insurance plus Medicash, critical illness cover, income protection and life insurance
• Give as You Earn and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes.
• Annual Company and Individual bonus scheme 
• Paid volunteer day each year

Family Friendly Benefits

Refeyn offers YellowNest Nursery Scheme to all employees once probation is passed, and new parents can benefit from up to 17 weeks fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, 4 weeks fully paid paternity leave, plus an annual allowance for emergency childcare.

Supporting your Development

All employees receive access to Linkedin Learning which offers thousands of courses to support their personal and professional development. We also run frequent training sessions on both hard and soft skills.

Creating an Engaging Culture

Refeyn supports hybrid working where the role allows and offers flexible start and finish times. We also have a subsidised weekly lunch for onsite employees and a vibrant social calendar which includes holiday parties and midsummer festivals plus an annual team budget for managers to plan team-building activities.

Values-Led 

Refeyn is committed to celebrating each other’s differences and creating a dynamic, driven and diverse culture where everyone can flourish. We are proud to have been awarded Committed Status by the Inclusive Employers Standard in 2024 and are working hard to create a safe and empowering environment for all.

We firmly believe that there is great strength in building teams with different voices, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds so that we can continue to share the team workload and enable our customers to succeed, and we welcome applicants from all sections of society to join us on our mission to advance discovery through innovation. 

Expected Interview Plan

• Initial Teams call with the hiring manager (30 minutes)
• Onsite panel interview with presentation and site tour (90 minutes)
• Final call with Chief Product and Marketing Officer (30 minutes)