Scientist – Protein Expression and Purification

Team: R&D Team, Protein production and purification.

Start date: Immediate

Period: Full time, permanent

Location: Kings Cross, London

Application closing date: Mon 27th Oct 2025 (Please note that the application may close early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.)

Keywords: recombinant proteins, molecular biology, protein expression, protein purification, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, immunology.

About us

Baseimmune is a discovery stage biotechnology start-up focused on revolutionising therapies through advanced computational antigen design. Our mission is to harness the fields of data science, machine learning and computational biology within a multi-disciplinary team to redefine therapies for complex disease.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled protein expression and purification scientist to join Baseimmune’s R&D team. This lab-based role requires strong scientific and technical expertise in protein expression, purification and characterisation, applied to antigen validation and therapeutic development. You’ll work across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, innovative biotech environment, where your contributions will directly shape the development of next-generation therapies.

In this role, you’ll design, validate and execute diverse protein expression and purification pipelines employing multiple expression systems, generating protein resources to facilitate key R&D programs, and contributing to the strategic development of our protein capabilities. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge and hands-on experience in protein expression and purification, alongside applied molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.

This position is well-suited to someone looking to grow their career in protein science while making a tangible impact within a dynamic and ambitious company.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the development of protein expression and purification platforms to screen, characterise vaccine candidates and generate protein reagents supporting research activities.
• Take ownership of chromatography equipment (e.g., ÄKTA systems), ensuring proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in the development, validation and roll-out of vaccine delivery platforms for antigen presentation, such as Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) and protein nanoparticles.
• Assist in the execution and optimisation of protein characterisation assays.
• Collaborate effectively with other groups in the wider R&D team, including experimental and computational biologists.
• Demonstrate and maintain knowledge in own area of expertise using literature and database data, and apply it to critical analysis of new targets and the successful execution of experiments.
• Keep detailed, compliant records of procedures, observations, and results, contributing to timely preparation of reports and presentations.
• Uphold good laboratory practice, health and safety standards, and contribute to general lab maintenance, housekeeping, and documentation (including risk assessments and SOPs).

Essential Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• PhD minimum in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or other related discipline with applicable experience in protein expression, purification and characterisation.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in different protein purification protocols with strong experience in developing, validating and optimising methods using ÄKTA chromatography systems (affinity, ion exchange, SEC, etc) is required.
• Extensive hands-on experience in expressing complex recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.
• Proven experience in high throughput protein screening, validation and production environment.
• Proficiency in protein quantification techniques, including BCA, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid design, DNA amplification, transfection, bacterial transformation, cell maintenance and recombinant protein production.
• Experience working in cell culture environments using aseptic techniques.

Leadership and Soft Skills

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team but also able to execute tasks independently when needed.
• Able to collaborate effectively with computational scientists and bioinformaticians.
• Able to ensure reproducible and transferable work through appropriate procedures and documentation.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence and judgement to challenge appropriately.
• Able to proactively apply knowledge, problem-solving skills and creative thinking in driving the project forwards.
• A can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in producing antigen delivery systems such as Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) and/or protein nanoparticles.
• Experience with protein production in mammalian systems (adhering and suspension).
• Experience working with qPCR and collagen quantification is a plus.
• Experience working in biotech/pharma settings.
• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics.

What we Offer

• Competitive starting salary
• Central London location for lab and office (Kings Cross)
• Private medical health insurance
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• 26 days holiday leave + bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Pension plan

Please note that Baseimmune does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and regret that we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship currently.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

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