Metrion Biosciences ('Metrion') is a UK-based, ion channel-focused Contract Research Organisation (CRO) providing high-quality in vitro preclinical drug discovery and safety profiling services. From our headquarters at Granta Park, Cambridge, we support a global customer base with ion channel drug discovery screening, cardiac safety profiling, and neuroscience assay services.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Electrophysiology Scientist to join our ion channel screening team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality ion channel screening studies using plate-based and automated electrophysiology platforms across a range of client drug discovery programmes.
The role involves performing ion channel screening studies, analysing data and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality data for client programmes. Experience in cardiac electrophysiology, including the use of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, would be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform plate-based ion channel screening assays to support client drug discovery programmes.
- Conduct experiments using automated electrophysiology platforms to generate high-quality pharmacological data.
- Perform electrophysiology studies using recombinant cell lines and stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
- Prepare cells, solutions and test compounds for electrophysiology experiments.
- Analyse electrophysiological data using established analysis workflows and prepare data summaries and reports.
- Work closely with project teams to ensure the timely delivery of client studies.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and work in accordance with company quality systems and standard operating procedures.
- Assist with the maintenance, calibration and routine operation of electrophysiology instrumentation.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of screening assays, laboratory workflows and scientific capability.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience or a related biological science.
- Practical experience in whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology.
- Experience with electrophysiology data analysis.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to generate high-quality, reproducible data.
- Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary scientific team.
- A proactive, flexible approach and enthusiasm for delivering high-quality science.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience with automated electrophysiology platforms.
- Experience in plate-based ion channel screening assays.
- Experience working with stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs).
- Background in cardiac electrophysiology and/or cardiac ion channel pharmacology.
- Industrial or CRO experience.
Why Metrion?
At Metrion, you will:
- Join a leading UK CRO specialising in ion channel drug discovery and safety pharmacology.
- Work with state-of-the-art automated electrophysiology platforms and cutting-edge cardiac models.
- Contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programmes spanning ion channels, cardiac safety and neuroscience.
- Be part of a collaborative, supportive and scientifically driven team.
- Receive a competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits package.