Job Description

About your role

The Antibody Discovery group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Center whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development.


Orion Pharma is establishing a new Biologics Research & Development Center in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Center represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Center's mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.


The Biologics R&D Center will complement Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all of the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion's expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).


Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company's bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.


We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Associate to perform the molecular biology tasks critical to all antibody projects that support the needs of the growing pipeline of Biologics at Orion Pharma.

Your key responsibilities

Perform high throughput cloning using various techniques (Golden Gate Assembly, HiFi Assembly, Gibbson Assembly Method, Kunkel Method, etc) Assist in antibody library preparation Prepare NGS libraries from pools of variants from both phage and mammalian cells Perform PCR for both cloning and sequencing purposes Perform DNA preparations and electroporate and transform assembled DNA into bacteria and purify plasmids to be used for both phage and mammalian display Help maintain complementary laboratory infrastructure particularly in the molecular biology lab Understand and comply with Orion Pharma safety, quality and regulatory policies and relevant government regulations
This is a full-time position based in Cambridge, UK and we will support relocation to the UK. In this position, you will report to the Head of Antibody Discovery, Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

What we offer

This role offers an opportunity to become a key member of the Antibody Discovery team at our new location in Cambridge, UK. As a molecular biology specialist, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to core technologies while we establish a state-of-the-art antibody discovery and engineering powerhouse within Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.


Our highly innovative R&D pipeline and dynamic work environment will allow you to leverage your strengths to advance your competence and career. This exciting position also holds the potential to drive innovation and make a significant impact on future patient therapies.


At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.


Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/ .

Our expectations

To succeed in this role, we expect you to have:


A BS or MS degree in molecular biology or biochemistry or a related subject area. Industrial experience of 3+ years is required. Knowledge and hands-on experience with all standard molecular biology techniques (DNA preps and analysis, enzymes for manipulation of the DNA, etc) Demonstrated experience with high throughput DNA assembly methods such as Golden Gate Cloning, HiFi Assembly and other methods Deonstrated ability to track and monitor multiple samples simultaneously An ability to contribute within a team environment and create positive collaborations within the Research & Development team Demonstrated ability to meet performance targets and project initiatives Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills

How to apply and additional information

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your cover letter and CV by May 25th, 2025.


We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.


#LI-ORION

Unit description

Orion Pharma's Innovative Medicines are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. In addition to Cambridge, UK Biologics R&D Center, Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in New York, NY, USA.