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Research Scientist Jobs (Biotech)

Scientists who drive innovation in biotechnology through cutting-edge research and development. From genomics to gene therapy, this role is at the heart of the biotech revolution.

Open roles
9
Salary range
£36k – £80k
Hiring companies
4
View 9 live roles → Get an alert

Research Scientists in the biotechnology sector are the driving force behind groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. They work in a variety of settings, from academic institutions and government labs to biotech startups and pharmaceutical companies. These scientists conduct experiments, analyse data, and develop new technologies that can transform industries. Whether you're working on gene editing, developing new drugs, or improving crop yields, the role of a Research Scientist is both challenging and rewarding.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Research Scientist

A typical week for a Research Scientist is a mix of lab work, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Conduct experiments in the lab
  2. 02
    Analyse and interpret data
  3. 03
    Collaborate with colleagues on research projects
  4. 04
    Write reports and papers
  5. 05
    Attend meetings and presentations
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest research and developments
Salary on the board

£36k – £80k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 5 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
24% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 10 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Machine Learning
40%
PyTorch
30%
TensorFlow
30%
JAX
30%
Molecular Biology
30%
Reinforcement Learning
20%
Deep Learning
20%
NumPy
20%
SciPy
20%
Pandas
20%
Graph Neural Networks
20%
Generative Models
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for research scientists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Research Scientist

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in experimental design and data collection under supervision. Contribute to lab maintenance and documentation.

  2. Level 2

    Research Scientist

    2–5 yrs

    Lead specific research projects, manage small teams, and publish findings in scientific journals.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Research Scientist

    5–10 yrs

    Oversee multiple projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to strategic research planning.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Research Scientist

    10+ yrs

    Direct major research initiatives, collaborate with external partners, and influence the direction of the field.

Pathway

How to become a Research Scientist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, followed by a master's or PhD in biotechnology or a related discipline.

  2. 2

    Research Experience

    Gain hands-on experience through internships, research assistant roles, or postdoctoral positions.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Focus on a specific area of biotechnology, such as genomics, bioinformatics, or pharmaceutical R&D.

  4. 4

    Professional Development

    Attend conferences, publish research, and build a professional network to advance your career.

  5. 5

    Leadership Roles

    Take on leadership responsibilities, manage teams, and contribute to strategic decision-making.

  6. 6

    Industry Impact

    Influence the biotech industry through innovative research, collaborations, and thought leadership.

Live jobs

9 live roles

See all 9 roles →
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Scientist (Applied LLMs), London

A Research Scientist focused on applying Large Language Models to drug discovery, working in interdisciplinary teams to develop novel AI-driven approaches for biological and chemical challenges. The role involves advancing LLM techniques such as post-training, reasoning, tool-use, and alignment within a cutting-edge AI research environment. Collaboration with scientists and engineers is central to developing predictive models that accelerate rational drug design.

Isomorphic Labs London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Scientist (Machine Learning), London

A Research Scientist in Machine Learning will develop novel deep learning models and algorithms to advance drug discovery at digital speed. Working in an interdisciplinary environment, they will apply cutting-edge ML techniques to complex biological and chemical problems, iterating closely with domain experts. The role involves leading high-ambition research projects, scaling training frameworks, and shaping the technical direction of AI-driven drug design.

Isomorphic Labs London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
AstraZeneca logo

Senior Research Scientist - Omics, Bioscience, Oncology Targeted Delivery

This role involves hands-on laboratory work and data analysis in genomics, transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing to support oncology drug discovery. The scientist will develop and optimise NGS workflows, process and interpret complex omics datasets, and collaborate across disciplines to translate findings into scientific insights. Emphasis is placed on integrating experimental and computational approaches, with opportunities to apply AI-enabled tools for enhanced data interpretation and workflow efficiency.

AstraZeneca Cambridge, United Kingdom

Senior Research Scientist, Mathematical Foundations

This role involves pioneering research at the intersection of mathematics, machine learning, and biology, focusing on developing novel theoretical frameworks for large-scale foundation models trained on unique metagenomic data. The scientist will lead independent research directions, publish at top venues, and translate mathematical insights into AI models that generate novel biological sequences. The position emphasizes first-principles thinking, collaboration, and real-world impact in therapeutic discovery.

Basecamp Research London, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Materials & Devices for Life Sciences

This role involves advancing interdisciplinary research in materials and devices for life sciences, focusing on nanopore technologies, 3D tissue engineering, and device development for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. The scientist will design experiments, refine emerging technologies, and contribute to high-impact publications in a collaborative, well-resourced environment. Work spans molecular sciences, nanotechnology, and bioengineering to create transformative biomedical tools.

Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
AstraZeneca logo

Senior Scientist Oncology Research

Conduct laboratory-based research to support immune-oncology drug discovery, focusing on developing and analysing in-vitro and ex-vivo assays to evaluate candidate therapeutics. Investigate mechanisms of action in tumour immunology using advanced immunological techniques and contribute to target validation. Work within a collaborative team environment in Cambridge, integrating scientific expertise with emerging data and technologies.

AstraZeneca Cambridge, United Kingdom
Contract
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Leader / Senior Scientist (Medicinal Drug Design), Cambridge, MA

Lead or contribute to drug discovery projects at the intersection of medicinal chemistry and AI, guiding programs from initiation to candidate selection. Collaborate closely with machine learning scientists to refine AI-driven drug design models and drive innovation in synthetic organic chemistry. Play a key role in shaping next-generation therapeutic development through strategic input, CRO management, and intellectual property generation.

Isomorphic Labs Cambridge, United Kingdom
Isomorphic Labs logo

Research Leader / Senior Scientist (Computational Drug Design), Cambridge, MA

Lead or contribute to drug discovery programs using AI-first approaches, integrating computational chemistry with machine learning to design novel therapeutics. Guide project strategy from hit identification through candidate selection, while collaborating closely with ML scientists and cross-functional teams. Help shape and refine AI models for drug design, with opportunities to lead teams and drive innovation in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Isomorphic Labs Cambridge, United Kingdom
See all 9 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring research scientists

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Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Cambridge

Location
5 open

London

Location
3 open

Oxford

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A PhD in biotechnology or a related field is typically required, along with relevant research experience.

  • Strong analytical skills, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.

  • Attend industry conferences, read scientific journals, and join professional organisations to stay informed.

  • You can advance to senior and principal research roles, or move into management and leadership positions.

  • Salaries vary based on experience and location. For more detailed information, refer to the salary section on this page.

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