Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II - Discovery Engineering

Maxion Therapeutics; Pampisford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Pampisford is seeking a Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II to lead drug discovery projects focused on KnotBody® technology. The role involves experimental lab work and responsibilities may include line management of junior scientists. Candidates should have expertise in protein engineering and a collaborative spirit. Great benefits and opportunities for professional growth are offered in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

On-site gym and community

Generous pension contribution

Qualifications

• Qualified to either BSc/MSc level with extensive relevant experience or PhD level with relevant experience.
• Evidenced expertise in protein engineering using in vitro display approaches.
• Working knowledge of another relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental work to identify KnotBody® molecules.
• Use expertise of protein engineering to influence the scientific strategy.
• Analyse, interpret and communicate data to team members and senior leadership.

Skills

Protein engineering expertise

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Flexible attitude towards learning

Education

BSc/MSc or PhD in a relevant field

Tools

In vitro display approaches

Cell-based assays

Antibody expression and purification

Job description

Overview

Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II - Discovery Engineering

12 month Fixed Term Contract

Pampisford, Cambridge

Competitive Salary plus super benefits

About Maxion

Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and GPCR-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.

The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody® technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.

Maxion was founded in 2020 by Dr John McCafferty, CTO, and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display. For more information, please visit: https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/

About the role

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II to join Maxion’s Discovery Engineering team. The successful candidate will help lead Maxion’s growing pipeline of KnotBody® drug discovery projects, working across all aspects of biologics discovery, from early hit identification, through to screening and optimisation.

The role will comprise both laboratory and desk-based scientific work, with the opportunity for line management responsibility, depending upon experience. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in protein engineering combined with a flexible attitude and strong willingness to learn new skills.

We are committed to a culture of collaboration, so all staff are strong team players with excellent communication skills. Applicants will be comfortable with our nimble, start-up culture and fast-paced, dynamic working environment.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out experimental work to identify KnotBody® molecules targeting challenging membrane proteins using in vitro display and rational design approaches
• Use expertise of protein engineering to pragmatically influence the scientific strategy and direction of projects, in line with project timelines
• Line management of more junior scientists, depending upon experience
• Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members and senior leadership
• Solve problems on a day-to-day basis
• Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time following Company procedures

Candidate profile

Essential skills and experience

• Qualified to either BSc/MSc level with extensive relevant experience or PhD level with relevant experience
• Evidenced expertise in protein engineering using in vitro display approaches
• Working knowledge of another relevant discipline, for example cell-based assays, antibody expression and purification or flow cytometry
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to actively contribute to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared amongst the teams
• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals with a can-do attitude

Desirable skills and experience

• Some line management experience would be advantageous
• Previous experience preparing reports and presentations for senior leadership

What we offer you

• A competitive salary based on experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, free on-site parking 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 a collaborative working environment within a friendly team

Please note that this role is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, although there is a possibility of extension and also offers great opportunities to grow and develop your skills and experience within the company.

To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV via our careers page, outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations.

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.