Senior Scientist (Expression)

Evotec; Alderley Edge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Private health insurance

Wellbeing support

Private dental cover

Discretionary bonus scheme

Career progression & training

Job summary

Evotec is recruiting a Senior Scientist (Expression) at Alderley Park to execute work plans in Protein Sciences for early drug discovery projects. Design and optimise expression constructs for insect cell systems and deliver high-quality protein reagents for multiple projects.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of recombinant protein expression, BEVS and insect cell platforms, with independent decision-making and the ability to troubleshoot expression challenges.

Qualifications

• PhD or relevant degree with industry experience preferred.
• Strong track record in recombinant protein expression for drug discovery.
• Hands-on experience with insect cell expression systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute work plans for early drug discovery projects.
• Lead multiple projects and allocate resources to meet goals.
• Oversee results quality and ensure alignment with project specs.
• Prepare and present data to clients; publish and present findings.

Skills

Recombinant protein expression

Insect cell expression systems

BEVS/Drosophila S2 expression

Protein design and optimisation

Data analysis & troubleshooting

SDS-PAGE & Western blot

Independent work & decision making

Education

PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant science

Tools

Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems (BEVS)

Insect cell culture (Sf9/Sf21/S2/High Five)

Analytical techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western blot)

Job description

Currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Scientist (Expression) to join our Protein Sciences Team in Alderley Park. The successful candidate will be responsible for the execution of work plans within Protein Science. As well as the Design and execution of agreed work plans for early Drug Discovery Projects.

Senior Scientist (Expression)

Job Type: Permanent

Working Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Salary: Competitive salary & excellent company benefits

Location: Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG

Our Company

Evotec is a leader in the discovery and development of novel small molecule drugs with operational sites in Europe and the US. The Company has built substantial drug discovery expertise and an industrialised platform that can drive new innovative small molecule compounds into the clinic. In addition, Evotec has built a deep internal knowledge base in the treatment of diseases related to neuroscience, pain, oncology, inflammation and metabolic diseases. Leveraging these skills and expertise the Company intends to develop best-in-class differentiated therapeutics and deliver superior science-driven discovery alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Key Accountabilities

• Design and execution of agreed work plans for early drug discovery projects.
• Responsible for supporting more than one project and may be asked to direct internal resources to achieve agreed goals.
• Will be expected to provide oversight of results to ensure quality to project specifications.
• Accountable, together with project counterparts, for the design of experiment, review of documentation and client presentations. Will conduct thorough data analysis ahead of product release to internal or external customers.
• Proposes experimental designs and novel approaches to identify/advance best strategies in addition to planning/ executing project deliverables.
• Responsible for the implementation of standalone scientific services and deliverables to customers.
• Where responsible for reports will lead colleagues to co-develop plans for personal growth, aligned to business need.
• Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences.
• Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong technical knowledge of recombinant protein expression and protein biochemistry with a proven ability to deliver high-quality protein reagents for early drug discovery projects.
• Extensive hands-on experience in insect cell expression systems, including Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems (BEVS) and Drosophila S2 cell expression.
• Design, clone and optimise expression constructs specifically for production of recombinant proteins in insect cell platforms.
• Generate, amplify and characterise recombinant baculoviruses to support protein production campaigns.
• Execute small-scale screening and large-scale insect cell expression experiments to maximise protein yield, quality, and functionality.
• Maintain and optimise insect cell cultures, including Sf9, Sf21, S2 and High Five (Tni) cell lines.
• Develop and troubleshoot insect cell expression strategies for challenging targets, including membrane proteins, multiprotein complexes and difficult-to-express proteins.
• Assess protein expression and quality using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and relevant analytical techniques.
• Interpret experimental data and make informed technical recommendations to improve expression outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex expression challenges using a scientific and data-driven approach.
• Understanding of the scientific and technical background underpinning protein expression experiments and their application to drug discovery.
• Experience executing work plans with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Expected to work independently on routine activities and make day-to-day technical decisions within their area of expertise.
• Expected to follow training provided on the correct use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

Education and Qualifications

• PhD or a Degree with corresponding experience in a relevant scientific discipline ideally with relevant experience within industry.

Evotec Leadership Competencies

Limited Research: Relies on readily available information and is encouraged to explore more thorough research and analysis

Reactive Approach: Addresses challenges as they arise; in the process of learning to anticipate potential issues; working towards a more proactive approach

Some Initiative: Shows a willingness to learn about driving outcomes but often benefits from guidance and support

Reactive Service: Responds to customer issues when prompted, rather providing short-term solutions

Developing Information Sharing: Occasionally shares information when prompted; learning the importance of open communication

Emerging Team Engagement: Shows some effort in engaging with team members, working on giving interactions more depth

Company Benefits Include

• Pension on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period. Contributions 5% for employees (salary sacrifice) and 5% for the employer. The employee can opt to increase their contribution, and the employer will match the increase up to a maximum of 7.5%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days
• Private health insurance with BUPA for the employee and their partner/family under the company scheme
• Well being support 24/7 and counselling services
• Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period
• Private dental cover, on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period
• Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme. This is a discretionary benefit.
• Career progression within the company, we have excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more!

Onsite Facilities at Alderley Park

• The company pays for secure onsite parking
• Restaurant, Café, and Gastro pub
• Gym and workout studio, running, walking, and cycling routes
• Good public transport links with the shuttle bus service.

FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.

ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.