Molecular Biologist

[Flexible start date!] CyanoCapture - next generation biomanufacturing CyanoCapture is a biotech company from the University of Oxford, using the forefront of bioengineering to create photosynthetic cells that can manufacture pharmaceutical products from CO2. Job Description This is not for everyone. As a Molecular Biologist in a VC-backed early stage startup, you will be working on a first-of-its-kind SynBio platform technology. There are mountains to climb and the company is attempting to succeed where countless others have failed. You must be the kind of person that is comfortable with high-risk. You must thrive in the unknown. On a day-to-day basis, the role will involve designing and conducting your own laboratory projects as part of a team led by the Principal Scientist. You will develop a pipeline of novel patentable engineered strains of fast-growing cyanobacteria. You will design cloning strategies and conduct both in silico and wet lab work to see cloning projects end-to-end and engineer strains for the de novo biosynthesis of high value recombinant proteins. The mark of a good biologist for our team, is having the willingness to take risk, being unafraid to fail fast and constantly bringing new ideas to the table. You must be able to consume dozens of papers each week and be constantly thinking about the problems outside of work. We believe that science is done best when it can be contextualised in the real world. We therefore give CyanoCapture scientists opportunities to take on secondary responsibilities ( What are we looking for? We are looking for the best and brightest minds. You will be given a plate of challenging projects that are highly likely to fail. You need to get comfortable with extreme uncertainty. We are looking for the kind of person that has always wanted to build something of their own and is desperate for someone to bet on them. If that sounds like you, this is your home. We will support your ambition to the fullest. Character traits Extreme perseverance. Intolerant of low standards. A track record of choosing the hard route. Requirements · PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, BSc/MSc graduates with an exceptional aptitude will also be considered and are highly encouraged to apply · Basic lab competencies (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA amplification, DNA assembly, cloning, BLAST) · Strong quantitative reasoning skills · Strong understanding of cell biology, cloning and genetics · Competent in statistics and appraising papers · Able to reason through unseen problems using first principles · Able to spot new opportunities and think creatively · Previous experience working in a startup Compensation Competitive salary 25 days of paid annual leave Bank Holidays. Up to 20 days of optional unpaid leave to pursue personal interests. Working hours 0830 - 1830 Monday - Friday (flexible). You may WFH if required. Marginal gains You will be given sole responsibility over high-priority projects that matter to the success of the company. You must be in the mindset to occasionally work out of hours to make your projects happen even one day faster. You are expected to respond to messages and emails from your team outside of working hours six days a week. Travel You may be offered opportunities to travel abroad for short durations for business, presenting research at conferences or working on pilot projects. Start date We can defer your start date and will make it work for you. Instructions All candidates submitting a CV and cover letter, regardless of experience level or age, will be considered for this role. Please refrain from emailing us unless you have a question. If you have been shortlisted we will let you know on a rolling basis. Process Shortlisting on a rolling basis Briefing phone call (15 mins) Interviewed with the CEO (30 mins) Reasoning skills online test (48 mins) In-person interview (45 mins)

Location: Oxford, UK, GB

Posted Date: 11/13/2025