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Research Assistant - Job Opportunity at OGT

Cambridge, GB
Contract
Entry-level
Posted: July 10, 2025
On-site
£28,000 - £35,000 per year based on Cambridge market rates for research assistant positions in biotechnology companies. The competitive salary mentioned, combined with the comprehensive benefits package including 10% non-contributory pension, likely positions the total compensation in the upper range of this bracket.

Benefits

Competitive salary package positioning above market average for research roles
Generous 10% non-contributory pension scheme providing significant retirement security
Comprehensive private health insurance ensuring access to premium healthcare services
Private dental insurance covering preventive and treatment costs
Group income protection providing financial security during illness or injury
Group life assurance offering peace of mind for family protection
Above-average 25 days holiday plus UK bank holidays totaling 33+ days annually
High street discount scheme providing savings on everyday purchases

Key Responsibilities

Lead multi-parametric flow cytometry measurements and advanced data analysis to drive breakthrough diagnostic discoveries
Execute sophisticated immune-based protein measurement assays in clinical samples, directly impacting patient care outcomes
Spearhead new assay development for cell functional testing and protein measurement, contributing to next-generation precision medicine
Perform complex molecular staining and cell imaging techniques essential for cutting-edge research advancement
Conduct critical cell culture and nucleic acid analysis supporting translational research initiatives
Manage comprehensive laboratory operations including regulatory compliance with Human Tissue Act requirements
Ensure optimal laboratory safety standards and efficient supply chain management for uninterrupted research operations
Enhance RDCUK's scientific reputation through high-impact publication in peer-reviewed journals
Represent organizational research excellence at prestigious scientific conferences and professional gatherings
Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with senior scientists to accelerate research timelines and outcomes

Requirements

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in molecular biology, cell biology, protein biochemistry, or related field OR extensive clinical laboratory experience

Experience

1-2 years commercial laboratory experience preferred

Required Skills

Solid scientific approach to tackle new problems with unknown solutions Willingness to work in new or unfamiliar scientific areas Excellent written and oral communication skills Good computer literacy including scientific data analysis and graphical presentation Flow cytometry and data analysis experience Multi-parametric flow cytometry Immune-based assays for protein measurement Cell functional assay development Molecular staining and cell imaging Cell culture and nucleic acid analysis

Certifications

Seropositive immunisation against hepatitis B
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The precision medicine and personalized healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the global precision medicine market projected to reach $217 billion by 2028, driven by advances in genomic technologies and increasing demand for targeted therapies. This creates exceptional opportunities for research professionals skilled in diagnostic assay development and clinical applications. Flow cytometry and multi-parametric analysis are becoming increasingly critical in clinical diagnostics, particularly in immunology and oncology applications. The integration of AI and machine learning with flow cytometry data analysis is creating new career pathways for technically skilled research professionals. The cell therapy and regenerative medicine sectors are rapidly expanding, with significant investment in characterization tools and quality control assays. Research assistants with experience in cell functional assays and protein measurement are particularly valuable in this growing market segment. Regulatory compliance in clinical diagnostics is becoming more stringent, with increased emphasis on data integrity and quality management systems. Professionals with experience in regulatory frameworks like the Human Tissue Act and clinical laboratory standards are highly sought after.

Role Significance

Likely working within a focused research team of 8-15 scientists and technicians, collaborating closely with 2-3 senior scientists while potentially supervising 1-2 junior technicians or students. The collaborative nature with other RDCUK scientists suggests a matrix organization structure typical of research-focused biotechnology companies.
This is a specialized technical role that serves as a crucial bridge between research and clinical applications. While positioned at entry-to-mid level, the role carries significant responsibility for advancing translational research and directly impacts the development of next-generation diagnostic tools. The position offers substantial autonomy in experimental design and data analysis, with opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and scientific conferences.

Key Projects

Development and validation of novel flow cytometry-based diagnostic assays for immune system monitoring and disease detection Creation of innovative cell therapy characterization tools to support the growing regenerative medicine market Implementation of advanced protein measurement platforms for clinical biomarker discovery and validation Collaborative research initiatives with clinical partners to translate laboratory discoveries into patient care applications

Success Factors

Technical excellence in flow cytometry and multi-parametric analysis will be critical for generating high-quality, reproducible data that meets clinical standards. The ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation and optimize protocols will directly impact project success and timeline adherence. Strong scientific communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, presenting findings at conferences, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. The ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences will accelerate career advancement. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset are crucial given the rapidly evolving nature of precision medicine and diagnostic technologies. Success requires staying current with emerging methodologies and regulatory requirements while maintaining expertise in core competencies. Project management and organizational skills will be vital for managing multiple concurrent projects, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring laboratory operations run smoothly. The ability to balance research objectives with operational responsibilities will distinguish high-performing candidates.

Market Demand

High demand driven by the booming precision medicine sector and the critical need for skilled laboratory professionals who can bridge research and clinical applications. The specialized skill set required for this role, particularly in flow cytometry and assay development, creates excellent job security and career advancement opportunities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Multi-parametric flow cytometry expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the core of the diagnostic assay development work. This skill is increasingly valuable in clinical diagnostics, immunology research, and cell therapy applications, with strong market demand and limited supply of experienced professionals. Scientific data analysis and graphical presentation skills are critical for generating publication-quality results and effectively communicating findings to diverse audiences. These skills are transferable across the biotechnology industry and essential for career advancement. Understanding of regulatory compliance, particularly Human Tissue Act requirements, is crucial for working in clinical laboratory settings and ensures the research can be translated into clinical applications. This knowledge is highly valued and often required for senior positions in clinical diagnostics.

Beneficial Skills

Cell culture and nucleic acid analysis skills complement the primary flow cytometry focus and provide versatility in research applications. These skills are valuable for transitioning to other research areas or for comprehensive assay development projects. Experience with immune-based assays for protein measurement adds another dimension to the technical skill set and aligns with the growing focus on biomarker discovery and validation in precision medicine applications. Conference presentation experience and scientific writing skills are extremely beneficial for career advancement and establishing professional reputation within the scientific community.

Unique Aspects

The combination of flow cytometry expertise with cell therapy applications positions this role at the intersection of two rapidly growing markets, providing unique career opportunities in emerging therapeutic areas
Direct involvement in translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications offers exposure to the complete product development lifecycle
The emphasis on publication and conference presentation provides exceptional opportunities for professional recognition and network building within the scientific community
Working with Sysmex technology, a leading name in clinical diagnostics, provides access to cutting-edge instrumentation and methodologies that are highly valued in the industry

Career Growth

With the strong technical foundation and publication opportunities provided by this role, progression to senior positions typically occurs within 2-4 years. The specialized skill set and industry connections developed through conference presentations and collaborative projects can accelerate career advancement significantly.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Associate or Research Scientist positions within 2-3 years, focusing on leading independent research projects and managing junior staff Specialized roles in clinical applications or regulatory affairs, leveraging the unique combination of research and clinical laboratory experience Product development or technical support roles within the biotechnology industry, particularly in flow cytometry or diagnostic assay companies Academic research positions or PhD programs, building on the strong foundation in translational research and publication experience

Company Overview

OGT

OGT is a well-established global leader in clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions, operating at the forefront of precision medicine and personalized healthcare. The company has built a strong reputation for developing innovative genomic technologies that enable clinicians to deliver targeted patient care and support clinical researchers in advancing precision medicine applications.

OGT holds a significant position in the specialized genomics market, competing with major players like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Illumina, and Agilent Technologies. The company's focus on clinical applications and diagnostic solutions positions it well in the growing precision medicine market, with strong partnerships across healthcare institutions and research organizations.
The Cambridge location places this role at the heart of the UK's biotechnology cluster, one of Europe's most dynamic life sciences ecosystems. This provides exceptional networking opportunities, access to leading research institutions, and potential for collaboration with other innovative companies in the Cambridge biotech corridor.
The emphasis on scientific excellence, publication opportunities, and conference presentations suggests a research-driven culture that values professional development and scientific contribution. The collaborative approach with other RDCUK scientists and the focus on translational research indicates a dynamic environment that bridges academic rigor with commercial application.
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