Associate Scientist - Molecular Validation, 12 months fixed term contract

Enara Bio is shining a light on Dark Antigen® and T-cell biology to develop cancer immunotherapies designed to improve treatment outcomes for broad populations of cancer patients with solid tumors. Our pioneering EDAPT® platform enables us to discover cancer-specific antigens, including HLA-presented and cell surface antigens, from previously uncharted genomic ‘dark matter’. The result is a growing library of Dark Antigens that can address the need for novel, cancer-specific targets in solid tumors. Through our proprietary EnTiCE® platform, Enara is developing novel bispecific T cell engagers against Dark Antigen targets that are highly prevalent and homogenously expressed across solid tumors.

Based in Oxford, UK, Enara Bio is backed by a strong syndicate of life science investors including RA Capital, Pfizer Ventures, M Ventures, Samsara BioCapital, SV Health Investors, and the Francis Crick Institute.

Role Overview 

We are seeking a motivated Associate Scientist to join our Molecular Validation team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role will deliver high-quality scientific work independently within established objectives, supporting the validation of novel Dark Antigen targets across Discovery and early Pipeline programmes.

Working closely with colleagues across Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Translational Research and project teams, the Associate Scientist will design and execute well-defined molecular and cell- or tissue-based studies, interpret results, troubleshoot technical challenges and make evidence-based recommendations for next steps. The role combines hands-on laboratory delivery with strong data integrity, documentation, and collaborative working.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute well-defined molecular validation experiments using established protocols and objectives, contributing to target discovery and development programmes.

• Perform molecular biology workflows that may include DNA and RNA extraction and quality control, reverse transcription, PCR or RT-qPCR, cloning or construct handling, and preparation of samples and reagents for downstream studies.

• Handle and process human tissue samples to perform RNA extraction, DNA extraction, and HLA typing, in accordance with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) regulations and guidelines.

• Conduct and support relevant cell- and tissue-based assays to assess target profile, which may include transient transfections and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).

• Analyse and interpret experimental data, distinguish observations from conclusions, identify limitations and risks, and recommend logical next steps based on the evidence.

• Troubleshoot routine and non-routine technical issues, seeking appropriate and timely input and contribute ideas that improve assay quality, efficiency and reproducibility.

• Maintain accurate, timely and high-quality experimental records in accordance with Enara standards, supporting internal reporting, patent filings, publications and future regulatory documentation where relevant.

• Communicate scientific rationale, progress, results and issues clearly in project meetings, technical reports and internal updates.

• Collaborate effectively across functions and disciplines to deliver agreed experimental objectives and timelines, sharing knowledge and contributing constructively to project discussions.

• Support method transfer, protocol development and knowledge-sharing activities, including with external collaborators or contract research organisations where required.

• Contribute to the safe and effective running of the laboratory, including equipment upkeep, reagent and stock management, sample organisation and waste management.

• Follow all Environmental, Health and Safety, quality, compliance and data-integrity requirements, and contribute positively to a safe, organised and collaborative laboratory culture.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required

Essential

• BSc or MSc, or equivalent relevant workplace experience, in molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, immunology or a related life science discipline.

• Hands-on experience in a biological laboratory environment, ideally within biotechnology, pharmaceutical or translational research.

• Practical experience with core molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA preparation, PCR-based methods, RT-qPCR, cloning or construct handling.

• Skilled aseptic cell culture techniques, particularly using cancer cell lines. Core microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture, agar plate preparation, and plasmid DNA extraction

• Experience independently conducting experiments or technical studies using established protocols, with the ability to plan work and deliver reliable outputs.

• Ability to analyse and interpret experimental data, recognise anomalies and technical issues, and make evidence-based recommendations.

• Experience troubleshooting laboratory methods and improving protocols or workflows.

• High standards of experimental documentation, data integrity, organisation and attention to detail.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams in a fast paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience performing transient transfections and FACS.

• Experience in oncology, immuno-oncology, target validation, drug discovery or translational research.

• Experience working with human tissue samples, particularly fresh-frozen material.

• Familiarity with statistical data analysis or biological data visualisation.

• Experience supporting method transfer, external collaborators or contract research organisations.

Further information:

The Enara Bio team is driven to make a meaningful difference for people affected by cancer. Our culture is defined by our behavioural ethos:

Empowerment: We promote autonomy across Enara rejecting conventional hierarchy. We engage each other through transparency, collaboration and trust. We each take action with a deep sense of personal and shared accountability.

Courage: We push boundaries in all that we do to deliver on our purpose. We make bold decisions, embrace risk and tackle challenges to advance our novel science. Courage is essential for everything we do.

Humility: We are proud of and excited by our novel science, but we acknowledge that we cannot know everything. Our curiosity drives us to continually learn from each other & the outside world irrespective of our role or title. We give and receive feedback with no room for ego.

Growth: We invest in our people, culture and community to foster belonging as a foundation for success. We embrace individual development to create deeper personal fulfilment and drive stronger collective impact.

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a benefits package including pension and health insurance.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate proof of the right to work in United Kingdom.

Enara Bio Limited is an equal opportunities employer.