In Vivo Research Scientist

We are supporting a growing research organisation seeking an experienced Research Scientist to join their team, working across preclinical and early clinical gene therapy programmes. The ideal candidate will have experience with technically challenging in vivo procedures, with ocular/retinal experience particularly desirable. Strong brain/CNS/neuroscience experience will also be considered.

You will play a key role in establishing, developing and executing in vivo studies, supporting programmes from early preclinical research through into early clinical development.

With multiple programmes currently underway and further projects entering the pipeline, this is an opportunity to join a growing team and have genuine input into the development and progression of gene therapy programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, establish and execute in vivo gene therapy studies in mice.
• Take studies from initial set-up through to execution, data interpretation and reporting.
• Develop and optimise in vivo potency and safety assays supporting gene therapy programmes.
• Work with ocular/retinal, brain or CNS models, particularly technically challenging or specialised procedures.
• Support the development and evaluation of AAV-based gene therapies and associated therapeutic readouts.
• Troubleshoot studies and develop new approaches, techniques and experimental workflows.
• Analyse and interpret preclinical data to support programme progression towards the clinic.
• Produce high-quality study reports, SOPs, experimental protocols and work instructions.
• Contribute to the establishment and implementation of new in vivo models, assays and laboratory processes.
• Work collaboratively across R&D, quality, regulatory and compliance functions.
• Support programmes across both preclinical research and early clinical development.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Strong, hands-on in vivo experience using mice.
• Current or previous Home Office Personal Licence (PIL A/C).
• Experience performing technically challenging or specialised in vivo procedures.
• Proven experience within gene therapy, ideally AAV-based gene therapy.
• Strong preclinical research experience.
• Experience setting up, establishing or taking ownership of new in vivo studies.
• Experience writing study reports, SOPs, protocols and scientific documentation.
• Strong experimental design, data interpretation and troubleshooting skills.
• Ocular/retinal in vivo experience, alternatively, strong brain/CNS/neuroscience experience.

Desirable:

• Experience with AAV vector systems and gene therapy potency/efficacy readouts.
• Understanding of how preclinical data supports progression into clinical programmes.