Laboratory Technician (maternity cover)

Maxion Therapeutics

Maxion Therapeutics

Cambridgeshire, UK
Posted on Jul 25, 2025

About Maxion

Maxion Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing groundbreaking biologic medicines for diseases with unmet needs, driven by ion channel and GPCR dysfunction. Our innovative KnotBody® technology empowers us to create potent, selective, and durable antibody therapeutics. This technology merges millions of years of cysteine-rich mini-protein ('Knottin') evolution with cutting-edge antibody engineering, addressing pivotal challenges in ion channel/GPCR drug discovery.

Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team boasts a stellar track record. Dr Schottelius has held senior leadership positions, successfully advancing therapeutics from research to late-stage clinical development and building valuable portfolios of drug candidates and pharma partnerships. Maxion’s co-founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co-founded IONTAS, and together invented KnotBody® technology. Dr McCafferty is also renowned for co-inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co-founding Cambridge Antibody Technology.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Laboratory Technician to support every-day laboratory activities. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the successful candidate will be working closely with the Laboratory Manager to ensure smooth laboratory operations. This role will be an integral part of the company, contribute to the overall success of the business by ensuring that the laboratory operates efficiently. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working on multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key responsibilities

  • Preparation of media, agar plates, buffer, etc.;
  • Act as a point of reference to others with regard to all laboratory-related issues. Communicate with scientists, and relay concerns to management;
  • Washing and sterilisation of all glassware and non-disposable items;
  • Waste management – ensuring disposal of hazardous waste, arranging disposal of liquid waste, etc;
  • Oversee the overall use of the laboratory to ensure that all laboratory users comply with systems of good practice and maintain a high level of housekeeping;
  • Managing stock levels of common consumables, tracking orders and chasing any overdue orders as and when required;
  • Communicating with suppliers and assisting in price negotiations;
  • Receipt of deliveries, including temperature-sensitive ones, and storing appropriately.

Candidate Profile

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience;
  • Proven experience in a similar or related role;
  • Experience in a start-up and or/biotech environment is an advantage;
  • Aptitude for helping other people and positive, friendly attitude;
  • Adaptability and flexibility to deal with an ever-changing workload and ability to prioritize key tasks;
  • Attention to details, including ability to store accurate records and follow SOPs;
  • Good verbal and written communication skills;
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills;
  • Happy to work independently or in a team;
  • Actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams;
  • Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can-do attitude.

What can we offer you?

  • A competitive salary based on experience;
  • A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, and more;
  • Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community;
  • Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field;
  • A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.

To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations.

This is a full-time, 6-months position (maternity cover).

Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.