Scientist/Snr Scientist - Protein Engineering

Hlx Life Sciences; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech company in Oxford is seeking skilled scientists to join their Protein Engineering & Nanoparticle Formulation group. You will work on designing and optimizing proteins, formulate nanoparticles, and contribute to the advancement of new therapies. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong skills in protein expression and purification. Both early-career and senior levels are welcome.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Professional development opportunities

Innovative work environment

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on skills in protein expression and purification.
• Exposure to nanoparticle or VLP formulation.
• For Senior Scientist level: 4-5+ years of industry experience.
• For Scientist level: 1-2 years' post-PhD experience.

Responsibilities

• Express, purify, and characterise proteins using molecular biology methods.
• Formulate nanoparticles / VLPs and evaluate their performance.
• Design and execute experiments, analyse results, document findings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in biology and chemistry.
• Contribute to strategy development and scale-up workflows.
• Mentor and share expertise with colleagues.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Nanoparticle formulation

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Job description

Overview

You will play a key role in designing, producing, and optimising proteins, and in developing nanoparticle or viral-like particle (VLP) systems for therapeutic delivery. This is a hands-on laboratory position with opportunities to broaden into translational science and contribute to the advancement of new therapies.

Responsibilities

• Express, purify, and characterise proteins using molecular biology and biochemistry methods.
• Formulate nanoparticles / VLPs and evaluate their performance in delivery systems.
• Design and execute experiments, analyse results, and document findings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in biology, chemistry, and translational sciences.
• Depending on experience, contribute to strategy development, scale-up workflows, and regulatory-enabling studies.
• Mentor and share expertise with colleagues, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on skills in protein expression and purification.
• Exposure to nanoparticle or VLP formulation (academic or industry experience).
• Passion for problem-solving and driving projects forward.
• For Senior Scientist level: 4-5+ years of industry experience, with a track record in scale-up, platform development, and contributions to translational or regulatory programs.
• For Scientist level: 1-2 years' post-PhD experience with a desire to grow your expertise in therapeutic delivery.

About the Company & Benefits

We are an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation therapeutic delivery solutions. We are expanding our team and seeking talented scientists at both early-career and senior levels to join our Protein Engineering & Nanoparticle Formulation group.

• Work at the cutting edge of therapeutic delivery and protein engineering.
• Be part of a collaborative, fast-moving biotech environment.
• Grow your career with opportunities to shape science at the bench and beyond.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development.