ScionxBio

Apprenticeship Opportunity

Curious about how the medicines of the future are made? Excited by science but at the very start of your journey? Want to learn from world-class scientists while helping to revolutionise the field of RNA therapeutics? If so – we would love to hear from you.

Job title: Apprentice – Molecular Biology / RNA Sciences

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom (on-site)

Apprenticeship: Laboratory Technician (Level 3)

Reports to: Site Lead / Molecular Biology Team Lead, Cambridge

About ScionxBio

ScionxBio is on a mission to revolutionise the field of nucleic acid therapeutics by integrating cutting-edge RNA biology, combinatorial chemistry, and artificial intelligence to create a programmable platform for drug discovery and development. Our multidisciplinary team brings together world-class scientists and entrepreneurs with a track record of breakthrough innovation, working at the intersection of bioengineering, chemistry, genomics, and computational science.

With a pipeline targeting cardiometabolic, endocrine, and rare genetic disorders of substantial unmet medical need, we are a global company with a presence in Cambridge (UK), Tel Aviv (Israel), and Boston (US). Our Cambridge site is our largest research and development hub, and we are proud to foster a culture of collaboration, diversity, and scientific excellence across all of our teams.

The Opportunity

We are offering an apprenticeship designed for someone who is at the beginning of their career and eager to build a foundation in laboratory science. You do not need previous laboratory experience – what matters most to us is your enthusiasm, your willingness to learn, and the energy and fresh perspective you will bring to our team. Over the course of your apprenticeship you will combine structured, accredited study with hands-on work in a real, fast-moving biotech laboratory, supported throughout by experienced mentors.

Working alongside our molecular biologists, chemists, and AI specialists, you will gradually learn the techniques that underpin the development of next-generation RNA-based medicines. This is a genuine learning role: we expect you to grow, ask questions, and make mistakes along the way, and we are committed to giving you the guidance and time you need to develop into a confident, capable scientist.

What You Will Learn and Do

Your responsibilities will develop as your skills and confidence grow. In the early stages you will focus on the fundamentals of working safely and accurately in the laboratory; over time you will take on more independent scientific work. Across your apprenticeship you can expect to:

Learn and apply core molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, such as pipetting, sample preparation, running gels, and basic RNA and DNA handling, under the guidance of your mentors.
Learn to use scientific equipment, including maintenance, cleaning, calibration and recognising equipment faults.
Support the team in preparing reagents, maintaining stocks, and keeping shared laboratory spaces and equipment organised and ready for use.
Help to set up and carry out experiments that contribute to our RNA research, recording your observations and results carefully and accurately.
Keep clear, well-organised records of your work in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems, building good habits in data integrity from day one.
Learn to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and good laboratory practice, including health, safety, and quality requirements.
Develop your scientific understanding through your accredited study, and apply what you learn back in the laboratory.
Contribute to the everyday life of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, and take part in team meetings and discussions.

What We Are Looking For

Because this is an apprenticeship, we are far more interested in your potential and personal qualities than in any formal experience. We welcome applications from school leavers, college students, those considering a change of direction, and anyone who is genuinely excited by science and ready to learn. The attributes that matter most to us are:

A real curiosity about science and a genuine interest in how medicines are discovered and developed.
Enthusiasm, motivation, and a positive, can-do attitude towards learning new things.
Careful attention to detail and a methodical, organised approach to tasks.
Reliability, honesty, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Good communication skills and a friendly, collaborative manner – you will be part of a close, supportive team.
Resilience and a willingness to ask for help, learn from feedback, and keep improving.
An interest in working as part of a diverse, international organisation that spans the UK, US, and Israel.

Entry Requirements

To join an apprenticeship in England you will normally need to meet the entry requirements set by the relevant apprenticeship standard and training provider. For a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship this typically means GCSEs (or equivalent) in subjects including English, mathematics, and a science; a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist degree apprenticeship will usually require relevant A-levels or an equivalent qualification. We are happy to discuss your individual circumstances, and we encourage you to apply even if you are unsure whether you meet every criterion.

Please note: precise eligibility and funding rules for apprenticeships can change, so we would always recommend confirming the current requirements with us and with the training provider before applying.

What We Offer

You will join a welcoming, mission-driven team at the largest site of a growing international biotech, with real responsibility and the chance to contribute to science that could one day change patients’ lives. We offer dedicated mentoring and on-the-job training, paid time to complete your accredited study, and a supportive environment in which to build the foundations of a career in the life sciences. As part of the wider Cambridge life sciences ecosystem, you will also have the opportunity to learn from and connect with one of the most exciting scientific communities in the world.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been looking for, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV, together with a short covering note telling us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this apprenticeship. Don’t worry if you don’t have laboratory experience to write about – tell us instead what excites you about science and what you hope to learn with us.

ScionxBio is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in the sciences.

Eleven Therapeutics

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