Scientist – Emerging Target Biology (Neuroscience)

ONE NUCLEUS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Scientist to join their Emerging Target Biology Team in Cambridge. This role will involve a broad laboratory-based focus, emphasizing cell-based functional screening and neuroscience. You will be responsible for developing and executing various assays, utilizing your expertise in cell biology and data analysis. The position offers the chance to contribute to innovative research and collaborate with external partners. If you are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• PhD or industry equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline required.
• Strong background in cell biology and complex biochemical assays.

Responsibilities

• Design and interpret cell-based functional assays independently.
• Collaborate with teams to improve data capture and analysis workflows.

Skills

Cell-based functional assays

Neuroscience expertise

Data analysis

Assay development

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

Benchling

ImageJ

Job description

The Scientist will have a broad laboratory-based role, helping to expand our Emerging Target Biology Team. The role involves cell-based functional screening and neuroscience expertise to triage lead antibody candidates derived from Alchemab’s platform technology. Working closely with the Research team, they will develop in-house capabilities for various cell-based assays, utilizing in vitro assay development skills and demonstrating expertise with cell lines, primary cells, and iPSCs to study antibody functions in disease-relevant assays. Additionally, the candidate will work to improve workflows related to data capture, analysis, and recording in partnership with the Alchemab Tech team.

The role is based in Cambridge, UK.

Responsibilities

1. Independently design, perform, and interpret cell-based functional assays. Examples include cell viability, toxicity, protein aggregation, neurite outgrowth, mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, neuron activity, cell migration, BBB, phagocytosis assays, and calcium imaging.
2. Techniques may include Western blots, ELISAs, MSD, flow cytometry with multicolor panels, immunocytochemistry, imaging, electrophysiology (including multielectrode arrays), and transcriptomic analysis (including qPCR).
3. Work with various cell types such as immortalized cells, primary cells, and iPSC-derived neurons in monocultures and co-cultures, using standard culture plates and microfluidics.
4. Utilize software tools like FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Benchling, and ImageJ.
5. Collaborate with the team to design, analyze, and interpret in vivo experiments.
6. Work with external research groups and partners.
7. Assist other business areas, including immunology and oncology laboratories.
8. Improve data capture, analysis, and recording workflows with the Tech team.
9. Communicate results effectively to different audiences.
10. Maintain accurate electronic laboratory records and ensure proper laboratory equipment maintenance.
11. Adhere to health and safety, COSHH, and Human Tissue Act regulations.
12. Work with scientific leadership to review targets and contribute to building Alchemab’s target portfolio.

Experience & Requirements

Essential

• A PhD or industry equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Ability to work independently, develop and troubleshoot techniques, and communicate results clearly.
• High attention to detail in assay design and execution, including proper controls.
• Strong background in cell biology, especially with complex cell and biochemical assays involving iPSC-derived neurons.
• Ambition to contribute to building a transformative company.
• Proactive team player with excellent communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in neurodegenerative disease target review.
• Experience in industrial drug discovery.
• Experience collaborating with CROs or academic groups.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive. Employees may perform other duties as needed.

Application Instructions: If interested, please apply using the link provided below.