Sarah Scaife
About Sarah Scaife
Sarah Scaife is a Senior Scientist specializing in TCR Discovery at Adaptimmune, with extensive experience in molecular biology and automation. She has held various scientific roles across notable organizations, including Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Immunocore, and has a strong academic background from the University of Oxford.
Current Role at Adaptimmune
Sarah Scaife serves as a Senior Scientist in TCR Discovery at Adaptimmune, a position she has held since 2021. Located in Abingdon, England, she focuses on advancing research in T cell receptor (TCR) technology. Her expertise contributes to the development of innovative therapies aimed at treating cancer and other diseases. This role builds upon her extensive background in molecular biology and genetic research.
Previous Experience in Biotechnology
Before joining Adaptimmune, Sarah Scaife held several significant positions in the biotechnology sector. She worked as a Senior Scientist at Immunocore from 2017 to 2020, where she contributed to TCR-based therapies. Prior to that, she spent 14 years at Oxitec Ltd as a Senior Scientist in Molecular Biology. Her earlier roles include an Automation Specialist position at Oxford Nanopore Technologies and a Senior Scientist role at GeneFirst Ltd.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Sarah Scaife earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford, studying from 1992 to 1995. She continued her education at the same institution, completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1998, focusing on the positional cloning of the Darier Disease Gene in humans. This strong academic foundation supports her extensive career in scientific research.
Technical Skills and Proficiencies
Sarah Scaife possesses a range of technical skills relevant to her field. She is proficient in vector design and sequence analysis, utilizing software such as Snapgene, Vector-NTI, CLC Workbench, and DNADynamo. Her expertise extends to developing molecular assays, including PCR and qPCR strategies, as well as automated library preparation for Covid detection assays. Additionally, she has experience in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and protein purification for X-ray crystallography.
Research Contributions and Innovations
Throughout her career, Sarah Scaife has made significant contributions to various research projects. She developed a high-throughput semi-automated Gibson-Assembly based cloning method for expressing TCRs in mammalian cells. Her work also includes designing successful CRISPR/Cas9 strategies in various organisms and carrying out cell culture work. These innovations reflect her commitment to advancing molecular biology and genetic research.