Scientist - Protein Science Pipeline | 12 months FTC - Oxford

ZipRecruiter; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Oxford is seeking a Scientist for Protein Science Pipeline to engineer ImmTAX molecules. You will design experiments, analyze affinity, and collaborate within a dynamic team. A minimum of Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience are required. This role offers an opportunity to work on innovative biological therapies.

Qualifications

• Several years' experience in protein expression in bacterial and/or mammalian systems.
• Competent in the safe use of general laboratory equipment.
• High attention to detail, excellent time management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental investigations.
• Identify specific TCRs from TCR-phage libraries.
• Analyze TCR binding affinity using SPR.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Molecular cloning

Attention to detail

Experimental analysis

Education

BSc or MSc in protein engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology

PhD in related discipline

Tools

AKTA system

SPR (BIAcore)

Job description

Overview

Job Description

Scientist - Protein Science Pipeline | 12 months FTC - Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize transformative medicines, addressing unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry's most successful drug developers. We are creating an environment where great minds can interact and an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.

Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new class of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. Immunocore values the unique contributions each person brings to the team and strives to embody our STRIDE values: Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Entrepreneurship. Immunocore is committed to equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered.

The main purpose for the incumbent in this role is to engineer ImmTAX molecules to support advancement of pipeline programs. This includes identification and characterization of wild type TCRs, affinity and specificity engineering, and production of engineered molecules for further assessment. The individual works effectively within established procedures, potentially introducing new methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and independently conduct experimental investigations, with guidance from line manager or colleagues where appropriate.
• Designing and producing DNA constructs for TCR, antibody and ImmTAX expression and DNA libraries for affinity maturation.
• Identify specific TCRs from TCR-phage libraries through a series of selection rounds.
• Perform TCR affinity maturation using phage display to identify high-affinity and specific molecules.
• TCR and ImmTAX expression in mammalian and bacterial cells and purification via affinity tags or using ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography (AKTA system).
• Analyze TCR and ImmTAX binding affinity, kinetics and specificity using SPR (BIAcore).
• Independently analyse and report experimental results and present at company meetings.
• Work collaboratively with scientists from other groups and functional areas.
• Maintain accurate records of all work by following company procedures.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

• Several years' experience in protein expression in bacterial and/or mammalian systems.
• Protein purification using column chromatography methods and AKTA system (such as via affinity tags, ion exchange and size exclusion).
• Analysis of protein-protein interactions using SPR (BIAcore).
• Molecular cloning of DNA constructs (primer design, PCR and gel electrophoresis).
• Construction of DNA libraries and screening using display technologies.
• Ability to work independently and actively contribute in a diverse, collaborative team environment.
• Competent in the safe use of general laboratory equipment.
• Recorded results in a concise and timely way, in compliance with agreed standards.
• High attention to detail, excellent time management and communication skills.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in protein engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline (Essential).
• Typically requires a minimum of 3+ years of related experience.
• PhD in related discipline (Desirable).