Development Scientist

Touchlight
Hampton
11 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Assay Development Scientist

Developmental Scientist

8a Laboratory Manager - Blood Transfusion

Scientist BPD

Scientist - Analytical Development

Principal Protein Scientist

Touchlight is pioneering the Synthetic DNA market.


Touchlight is focussed on the enzymatic synthesis of novel DNA formats.

Through the Covid pandemic, this quiet revolution has been propelled into the spotlight with the scale-up and proof of concept of RNA and DNA based vaccines. In addition, the stellar growth in viral and non-viral cell and gene therapy discovery and development has accelerated the need for a better quality, faster and more robust DNA manufacturing technology.


Our CDMO and technology is built on the conviction that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine.


By moving away from today's restrictive biological approaches, we have made DNA manufacturing simple. Our unique dbDNA™ (or "doggybone" DNA) vector is optimised for use in advanced genetic medicines, being safer and more efficacious than conventional plasmid DNA. The platform, based on enzymatic technology, enables DNA production at unprecedented scale, speed and purity.


We are leveraging our platform to enable the next generation of Genetic Medicines.

Our CDMO Focus is on:

  • Nucleic Acid Medicines (mRNA & DNA)
  • ex-vivo & in-vivo cell and genetic medicines
  • Gene therapy using viral vectors and gene editing
  • Autologous & Allogenic cell therapy.


We are currently seeking an experiencedDevelopment Scientistto join us in our facilities in Hampton.


In thisexciting lab-based role, the candidate will be responsible forconducting experimentsand for thegeneration and capture of high-quality experimental datato support the next generation of critical processes. A key responsibility will be toexecute development projectswithsmall scale optimisationanddevelopmental screeningwithin firm timelines.


Withcareer progression prospectsas the organisation continues to grow, this is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in amultidisciplinary laboratoryenvironment, is efficient in their conduction of experiments/data capture, and can deliver to thehighest standardsunder the direction of the scientific management team.

The successful applicant will have exceptional skills inmulti-tasking & organisation. Scientificallycurious& consistentlyreliable, the applicant will need to fit well into a fast-paced high throughput environment with a keen desire to question, challenge & improve currently held assumptions & procedures.


We're keen to hear from you ifyou have:

  • MSc or PhD inMolecular Biology / Biochemistryor other similar disciplines
  • 2+ years industrial experiencegained in a Biotech and/or CDMO environment, or a PhD in a relevant area
  • Background inplatform/process developmentand/orCMCwithin an industrial setting
  • Ideally,strong molecular biological or chemical backgroundwith understanding of enzymatic reactions
  • Desirably, familiarity withCapillary Electrophoresis (CE)
  • Experience withlarge screening techniquesand/orDOE
  • Excellentproblem-solving skillswith the ability to react swiftly & decisively when faced with challenges
  • Willingness to challenge currently held assumptions – plan, test and engage with continuous improvement.


Touchlight Benefits


Touchlight is a successful scale-up business with a record of world-leading innovation and a welcoming, entrepreneurial culture. We make Touchlight an extraordinary place to work by providing our employees with incredible facilities, flexible working and a competitive benefits and remuneration package.


A Place for Everyone


We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Touchlight. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our customers.


If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please speak with the HR team who will be happy to support you.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

CSL Behring Jobs UK: Careers, Salaries, Locations & How to Get Hired

CSL Behring is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies specialising in plasma-derived therapies, recombinant proteins, gene therapy, vaccines, and rare disease treatments. If you’re a UK job seeker looking for a career with real purpose, strong scientific standards, and long-term progression, CSL Behring roles can be an excellent fit, especially if you have experience in biotech, pharma manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, clinical operations, regulatory, pharmacovigilance, or commercial. This guide is written for UK candidates who want to understand what CSL Behring jobs typically involve, which roles to target, where opportunities may be based, what skills recruiters look for, and how to tailor your application to stand out.

How Many Biotechnology Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Biotech Job?

If you are trying to break into biotechnology or progress your career, it can feel like the list of tools you are expected to know is endless. One job advert asks for PCR, another mentions cell culture, another lists bioinformatics pipelines, automation platforms or GMP systems. LinkedIn makes it worse, with people sharing long skills lists that make you wonder if you are already behind. Here is the reality most biotech employers will not say out loud: they are not hiring you because you know every tool. They are hiring you because you understand biological systems, can work accurately and safely, follow protocols, interpret results and contribute reliably to a team. Tools matter, but only when they support those outcomes. So how many biotechnology tools do you actually need to know to get a job? The answer depends on the role you are targeting, but for most job seekers it is far fewer than you think. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are essential, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look employable rather than overwhelmed.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Biotechnology Job Applications (UK Guide)

Hiring managers in biotechnology do not start by reading your CV word for word. They scan for credibility, relevance and risk. In a regulated, evidence-driven sector like biotech, the first question is simple: is this person safe, competent and genuinely capable of contributing in this environment? Whether you are applying for roles in research, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, clinical, bioinformatics or commercial biotech, the strongest applications make the right signals obvious in the first 10–20 seconds. This in-depth guide explains exactly what hiring managers in UK biotechnology look for first, how they assess CVs, cover letters and portfolios, and why capable candidates are often rejected. Use it as a practical checklist before you apply.