Research Associate, Phage Display

Orion Corporation; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Pharma seeks a Research Associate to support and execute phage display-based antibody discovery campaigns at its Biologics R&D UK Centre in Cambridge. You will work closely with scientists to identify novel therapeutic biologics, contribute to library construction, and maintain high-quality experimental records.

The role requires a master’s degree in molecular biology/biochemistry/immunology and at least 3 years of relevant industrial experience, with hands-on phage display expertise.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or related field.
• At least 3 years' experience in antibody discovery or phage display platforms.
• Hands-on experience with phage display technologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute phage display selection campaigns targeting therapeutic antibodies.
• Screen antibodies using binding and functional assays.
• Manage phage outputs, clones and samples; maintain records.
• Prepare samples for sequencing and analyse outputs for enrichment and diversity.
• Support antibody optimization including affinity maturation and reformatting.

Skills

Phage display

Molecular biology

PCR

Cloning

NGS preparation/analysis

Data quality

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Master's degree in molecular biology/biochemistry/immunology

Tools

NGS library prep

Job description

The Antibody Engineering group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Centre whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development. Biologics R&D Centre represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Centre’s mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.

The Biologics R&D Centre will complement Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion’s expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).

Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company’s bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support and execute phage display-based antibody discovery campaigns. The successful candidate will contribute to the identification and characterisation of novel therapeutic biologics, working closely with scientists across antibody discovery. This role offers the opportunity to help establish and expand a state-of-the-art phage display platform within Orion's growing Biologics R&D organisation.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Support and ultimately execute phage display selection campaigns against a variety of therapeutic targets.
• Assist in antibody screening for hit identification using a variety of binding and functional assays.
• Track, catalogue and appropriately store phage outputs, clones and campaign samples throughout the discovery process.
• Prepare samples for next-generation sequencing and analyse selection outputs to monitor enrichment, diversity and support lead identification. Support antibody optimisation activities, including affinity maturation and reformatting of selected clones
• Contribute to the construction of phage-antibody libraries for antibody discovery and engineering projects.
• Maintain high-quality experimental records, analyse results and communicate findings clearly
• Help maintain complementary laboratory infrastructure, reagents, equipment and inventories required for phage display and molecular biology workflows
• Understand and comply with Orion Pharma safety, quality and regulatory policies and relevant government regulations.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with phage display technologies for antibody discovery and/or protein engineering purposes.
• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, DNA assembly, plasmid preparation and sequence verification
• Experience handling large sample sets, with strong organisational skills and attention to data quality
• Familiarity with NGS library preparation and analysis of sequence datasets will be a bonus, along with antibody screening and characterisation.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive, practical and scientifically curious approach to experimental work.
• An ability to contribute within a team environment and create positive collaborations with cross-functional Research & Development teams

Description of our organisation

Orion Pharma’s Innovative Medine’s innovations are within its R&D organization. The organization employs top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. There are around 400 professionals working in R&D. Orion R&D has offices in Espoo, Turku and Kuopio in Finland, in Nottingham, UK, and in Boston, USA.

We offer

The opportunity to be a key member of the discovery team as it expands and enhances its antibody discovery capabilities. This is a wonderful opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist to enhance their development and make a significant contribution to a growing biologics organisation, with the full support of Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.

The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.

An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust.Learn more about Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

Our expectations:A master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or a related subject area and should have at least 3 years experience and/or relevant industrial experience in antibody discovery.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

• Locations The Bennett building B930 Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, GB (On-site)