AbOliGo Senior Scientist: Conjugation and Antibody Oligo Validation

About AbOliGo

AbOliGo is redefining the way scientists see biology - literally. We are creating cutting-edge antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) that will power the next generation of spatial biology, single-cell analysis and multiplexed protein detection assays.

Based at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge, we are a team of determined problem-solvers and precision thinkers who believe that better tools unlock bigger breakthroughs.

As a Senior Scientist, you will play a key role in developing, optimising and validating AOCs in relevant assays. This is a hands-on laboratory position where you will be expected to support our antibody-oligo conjugation platform, develop new conjugation technologies, and validate AOCs in single cell analysis, spatial biology or multiplexing.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Hands-on experimental work to support all aspects of the laboratory operation, including antibody-oligo conjugation manufacture, new product development and custom conjugation services.
• Developing new conjugation technologies for AOCs.
• Validating antibody-oligo conjugates in relevant assays.
• Applying molecular biology expertise to oligo design, primer/probe design, hybridisation, amplification and DNA/RNA-based readout workflows.
• Characterising AOCs using appropriate analytical QC methods, including gel-based methods, UV/Vis analysis, binding assays, chromatography or related techniques.
• Troubleshooting assay performance by linking antibody quality, oligo design, conjugation chemistry, DoL, purity and molecular readout conditions to final assay outcome.
• Working collaboratively with R&D, production, quality, commercial and customer-facing teams.

What we look for in a candidate:

• Relevant life sciences degree, with 5+ years industry experience, in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Deep knowledge of conjugation technologies, especially random and site-specific chemistries.
• Strong hands-on wet-lab experience in a commercial product-development laboratory.
• Strong molecular biology expertise, including experience with oligonucleotides, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, NGS or other nucleic-acid-based readout technologies.
• Experience in the design, development, optimisation and troubleshooting of functional antibody oligo conjugate assays, including ELISA, single-cell, spatial biology or multiplexing.
• Ability to interpret complex assay data and identify root causes of performance issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a laboratory setting.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• The business is growing quickly, so you need to be flexible, adaptable and ready to step up as priorities evolve.
• You thrive in an environment that expects you to take responsibility, speak up when needed and hold yourself and others accountable.
• You are curious and open to exploring new ideas, learning from others and listening to diverse perspectives.

Not essential, but helpful:

• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, or imaging-based assays.
• Experience with scalable reagent workflows or assay transfer.
• Familiarity with RUO product development, QC documentation, release criteria or regulated assay development principles.

You'll love this job if you are:

• Excited by the opportunity to build new scientific tools for spatial biology, single-cell analysis and multiplexed protein detection.
• Comfortable working at the interface of antibodies, oligonucleotides, and molecular biology.
• Data-driven and committed to reproducibility.
• A practical problem solver who can connect reagent quality to assay performance.
• Team-oriented and enthusiastic about our mission.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where priorities can evolve quickly.
• Motivated by hands-on science.

Diversity Commitment:

We believe that diversity enables us to see situations from different points of view, leading to ideas and insights which would otherwise be missed. We are focused on building an inclusive team of people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.