🚀 Principal Biologist

My client is an Oxford based biotech start-up exploring novel approaches to oligonucleotide drug development.Their gene therapy research stems from the University of Oxford ecosystem and the supporting VCs are excited by their progress.

As a Principal Biologist, you will join a team of 6 multidisciplinary scientists. You will support the founder by providing complementary scientific expertise. From Day 1, you will be taking ownership of assay development in pre-clinical programs. You’ll also help foster a culture of scientific excellence as they look towards unlocking further funding milestones in 2026.

This role is 70% lab-focused and full time on site in Oxford. While you’ll wear many hats here, here’s an idea of what your day-to-day will look like:

• Leading the development of HTS to help drive programs forward
• Assessing protein expression, target engagement and efficacy
• Spearheading direction of experimentation and projects
• Designing gene and protein expression assays and therapeutic efficacy assays
• Collaborating with leadership, bioinformatics and external partners
• Performing gene expression profiling, splicing analysis and the use of transcriptomic data to inform therapeutic development

If you have these skills, we are excited to speak with you:

• PhD in Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, etc, with significant industry experience
• Expertise in genetic therapy development (neurological / neuromuscular disorders)
• Experience with ASOs including design, optimisation and characterisation
• Prior experience working with patient-derived or iPSC derived neuronal models
• Experience in scientific writing or publishing research
• A proven track record of scientific leadership in an industry setting

Interested in finding out more?

This is a Principal Scientist permanent hire and the salary range is £70,000 - £78,000 + target bonus, 25 days holiday and life assurance. Sponsorship is offered for international talent.

The interview process will be an informal video call with the CEO and founder, followed by a formal invitation to a site interview. On site interview will involve presentation and technical 1-2-1s. Final decision will be made 5 days after this.

Atomic Talent is the agency handling this position, and we are happy to speak about this opportunity in the first instance via email ( ) or here on LinkedIn. We respond to everyone, so please apply even if you feel that you only hit 70% of the requirements.