Research Associate – Molecular & Cell Biology

📍 Oxford Science Park, UK
📃 12-month fixed term contract (potential to go permanent)
📅 Start Date: October 2025 (Please only apply if you can start before end of November 2025, sorry!)

About Ochre Bio
Ochre Bio develops RNA therapies for chronic liver disease. Our driving vision is to end the need for liver transplants. Over 1.5 million people, globally, die of chronic liver disease every year. For the vast majority the only cure is a liver transplant. With little more than 40,000 transplants performed, this is a health lottery. Ochre exists to change this.

Our science is built on three pillars:

• Causal human discovery: The largest global collection of human liver data to uncover new therapeutic targets.
• Rigorous human validation: World-leading human models that far outclass traditional animal models.
• Better therapeutic translation: Optimised RNA chemistry and biology to bring effective therapies to patients faster.

We’re ambitious, curious, and supportive, embracing failure as part of innovation and guided by our three operating values:

• Clarke’s Law: Be bold. Think big.
• Murphy’s Law: Fail fast. Learn faster.
• Wheaton’s Law: Support each other, always.
  

The Role

Ochre Bio is seeking a self-motivated, curious, and organised Research Associate to join our Oxford-based R&D team, supporting our mission to develop advanced RNA medicines for chronic liver disease, one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

At Ochre’s Oxford site, our biology and chemistry teams work hand-in-hand to identify novel gene targets and develop siRNA-based therapeutics. These are functionally assessed in complex human tissue and organ models at our Taipei and New York facilities, respectively. As a Research Associate, you will support discovery efforts across departments by performing molecular and cell biology assays, curating and maintaining primary and immortalised cell models, and assisting with lab operations. You’ll play a key role in generating reproducible, high-quality data that drives our drug development pipeline forward.

At Ochre Bio, you’ll be part of a fast-paced, ambitious, and highly collaborative environment where scientific innovation thrives. This is your chance to contribute to life-changing therapies, work with cutting-edge human models, and grow alongside a passionate team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction and RT-qPCR
• Maintain and passage mammalian cell cultures, including primary hepatocyte models
• Assist in the design and execution of experiments, ensuring scientific rigor and safety
• Maintain accurate and traceable experimental records
• Collaborate with both biology and chemistry teams to support therapeutic development
• Support day-to-day lab operations: reagent management, equipment upkeep, and lab hygiene.
• Contribute to data analysis and presentation in team discussions

Must-haves

• BSc or MSc in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences or a related field
• Solid hands-on experience with:
  • RNA/DNA extraction
  • RT-qPCR
    
• Excellent record-keeping and scientific documentation practices
  
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols meticulously

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with:
  • Western blot
  • Luciferase reporter assays
  • Mammalian cell culture
• Effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Google Workspace or Microsoft Office)
• Passion for learning and adaptability to fast-paced research environments
• Experience working in a biotech or startup environment
  

If you’re ready to make an impact in the fight against chronic liver disease, we’d love to hear from you 👉 Apply now!