BoobyBiome
Research Scientist – Cell Biology & Microbiology
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Company name
BoobyBiome Ltd.
Job type
Full-time
Role Title
Research Scientist - Cell Biology and Microbiology
Reporting To
Head of Experimental Research and Development
Website
Contact for enquiries
Start date
September 2026
Work location
5 days per week at UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH
Application closing date
Ongoing
Salary range
£40,000-£45,000 (depending on experience)
About BoobyBiome
BoobyBiome is a seed stage biotech company founded in 2019 by three scientists, backed by leading venture capital investors and supported by world-class advisors. Our mission is to counter childhood disease by helping every baby benefit from a healthy gut microbiome. This is taking shape in two product lines - tools for preserving the breast milk microbiome in expressed breast milk and infant supplements for providing targeted microbiome support.
As our research programme expands, we are looking for a motivated scientist to help us continue our research into the mechanisms of the early gut microbiome and its role in shaping infant development. We are seeking an experienced cell biologist and/or microbiologist to lead the development and execution of this capability. As our research programme expands, we are establishing an advanced in vitro epithelial screening platform to investigate host-microbe interactions, support product development, strengthen intellectual property and derisk future clinical studies.
The Role
This is a senior laboratory-based research position responsible for designing, optimising and executing gut cell culture studies investigating epithelial barrier function, mucus biology and host responses to probiotic and synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) formulations. Working closely with BoobyBiome’s Head of Experimental Research & Development, you will establish and maintain a new cell line, conduct robust experimental models that generate publication quality mechanistic datasets supporting product development, scientific publications and intellectual property. You will act as the in-house subject matter expert for mammalian cell biology while collaborating closely with microbiologists responsible for bacterial culture, formulation and fermentation.
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Key Responsibilities
Cell Biology
- Lead the development and optimisation of epithelial cell models including:
- Routine culture and maintenance of epithelial cell lines
- Establishment of differentiated Transwell coculture systems
- Development and optimisation of barrier function assays
- Experimental design for host microbe interaction studies
- Troubleshooting and optimisation of complex cell culture protocols
- Training and management of junior scientists (current and future)
Experimental Techniques
- Execute and optimise assays including:
- TEER measurements
- FITC-dextran permeability assays
- RNA extraction
- RT-qPCR
- Immunofluorescence microscopy
- Confocal microscopy (desirable)
- ELISA
- Histological staining (PAS, Alcian Blue)
- Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays
- Anaerobic bacterial culture and general microbiological skills
- qPCR
- Experimental data analysis and interpretation
Scientific Leadership
- The successful candidate will be expected to work with a high degree of scientific independence and contribute to the evolution of experimental programmes.
- Responsibilities include:
- Independently design, execute and troubleshoot experiments
- Analysing and interpreting complex datasets
- Presenting findings internally and contribute to publications, patents and grant applications
- Utilising expertise to support R&D scoping
Collaboration
- You will work within a multidisciplinary R&D team alongside specialists in microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, fermentation, formulation and product development. Your direct report will be BoobyBiome’s Head of Experimental R&D.
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Essential Requirements
- PhD in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline, or equivalent independent research experience in academia or industry
- Demonstrated experience independently designing and executing research projects
- Extensive mammalian cell culture experience
- Experience establishing and maintaining gut epithelial cell lines
- Experience with Transwell models and epithelial barrier assays
- Strong molecular biology skills including RNA extraction and RT-qPCR
- Experience with immunofluorescence microscopy
- Excellent experimental troubleshooting skills
- Strong quantitative data analysis and interpretation skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Desirable Experience
- Experience with one or more of the following would be advantageous:
- Host–microbiome interaction research
- Gastrointestinal epithelial biology
- Mucosal immunology
- Probiotic or microbiome research
- Bacterial culture techniques, including anaerobic microbiology
- Early-stage biotech or translational research environments
Benefits
- Employee share option plan
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave policy
- Friendly, collaborative and innovative work environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates must have the right to work in the UK without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining BoobyBiome. Please send your application to info@boobybiome.com with your name and ‘Research Scientist - Cell Biology & Microbiology’ as the Subject. Due to a high volume of applications we may not be able to respond to everyone. BoobyBiome is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
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