Senior Scientist I - Characterisation | CMC - Oxford

IMMUNOCORE LTD; Knotty Green; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Immunocore is seeking a Senior Scientist I - Characterisation within CMC at Oxford Immunocore. The role focuses on developing and applying peptide mapping (LC-MS/MS) and mass spectrometry to characterise biopharmaceuticals and ImmTAX products.

You will support impurity assessment and contribute to development of analytical methods. The candidate will coordinate extensive testing of protein biomolecules in both microbial and mammalian systems, interpret PTMs, and work within a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Experience in HPLC-based peptide mapping and MS characterisation of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Glycosylation analysis of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Independently coordinated extensive testing of protein biomolecules.
• Characterisation of proteins in microbial and mammalian systems.
• Understanding of expected post-translational modifications.
• Bench-based biopharmaceutical laboratory experience.
• Expert in electrophoretic/chromatographic/mass spectrometry.
• Experience in assay development.
• Familiar with GMP concepts and practice.

Responsibilities

• Support impurity characterisation of drug substances/products.
• Identify protein sequence and post-translational modifications, incl. glycosylation.
• Characterise process intermediates to aid development.
• Develop characterisation methods for ImmTAX and related products.
• Design biochemical, chemical stability and comparability studies.
• Contribute to study protocols and reports.
• Lead testing activities; mentor others and share methods.

Skills

HPLC peptide mapping

Mass spectrometry

Glycosylation analysis

Protein biomolecule testing

Protein expression (microbial)

Protein expression (mammalian)

Post-translational modifications

Assay development

Education

BSc or MSc in Biochemistry/Biotechnology

PhD in related discipline

Job description

Senior Scientist I - Characterisation | CMC - Oxford Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR)

is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address 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 not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions. Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation 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. At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients' lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits. Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. To characterise the companies biotherapeutic recombinant T-cell receptor based and related molecules using a wide variety of protein characterisation and mass spectrometry methods. To contribute to the development of characterisation methods for the company's biopharmaceutical products, including peptide mapping (LC-MS/MS) and intact mass spectrometry analysis.

• Supporting drug substance and drug product impurity characterisation and identification
• Performing protein sequence and post translational modification identification, including glycosylation analysis.
• Supporting drug substance and drug product process development by performing characterisation of process intermediates
• Contribute to the Development of characterisation methods of ImmTAX and other products, including peptide mapping (LC-MS/MS) and intact mass analysis
• Designing and carrying out biochemical characterisation, chemical stability and comparability studies of biologics/drug products.
• Contribute to writing study protocols and reports.
• Independently testing and, increasingly, leading lines of investigation. Proposing new experiments based on emerging data and other related information. Providing support on technical aspects to others.
• Priorities: establishing priorities for own work and team-based projects; making decisions on prioritisation based on the overall goals of the team, department and project, using direct evidence and personal experience as guidance.
• Technical Knowledge: sharing knowledge with the wider team and, across departments representing the department. May also act as a mentor to other colleagues, sharing scientific knowledge. Providing analysis of new techniques and theories from outside the Company to advance the way the company works; sharing these with leaders across the department.
• Laboratory records: ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard. Supporting and encouraging others to achieve this.
• Laboratory equipment: providing technical guidance to others within the team on how to use equipment most effectively.
• Reporting: communicating and presenting research findings at meetings with colleagues, senior management and partners.
• Adhere to safe working practices in laboratories according to Immunocore EHS policies.

Experience & knowledge

Essential

• Experience in development of HPLC based peptide mapping methods and mass spectrometric characterisation of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Experience of glycosylation analysis of recombinant proteins or antibodies.
• Independently coordinated extensive testing of protein biomolecules.
• Experienced in the characterisation of proteins expressed in both microbial and mammalian systems.
• Understanding of expected post-translational modifications in biological systems.
• Worked in a bench-based biopharmaceutical laboratory environment.
• Established as an expert amongst peers in one or more of the following areas: o electrophoretic o chromatographic o mass spectrometry
• Experienced in assay development
• Familiar with biopharmaceutical stability study principles and interpretation thereof
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment
• Proposed and driven changes in working practices that have improved efficiency, supported teams through adoption and change
• Presented detailed scientific findings and papers to internal and external audiences

Desirable

• Experience of glycosylation analysis of recombinant proteins or antibodies
• Experience with late stage/commercial biopharmaceutical assay development and characterisation
• Familiar with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practise (GMP)
• Presented at external conferences
• Led a small project team, formally or informally, through a change in practice including project management
• Understanding of analytical requirements to support materials for use in clinical trials

Education & qualifications

• Essential: BSc. Or MSc. in biochemistry, biotechnology or related discipline
• Desirable: PhD in related discipline