Protein Purification Scientist

CyanoCapture is a VC-backed biotech company at the forefront of bioengineering and carbon capture. The company is using a recently discovered fast-growing photosynthetic bacteria that can rapidly absorb CO2 and convert this into organic compounds of interest. CyanoCapture is looking to scale-up its proof-of-concept work to pilot trials in the UK, United Arab Emirates and Portugal in 2025. The first-of-a-kind technology has been backed by Shell, Elon Musk\’s XPRIZE and Innovate UK, alongside a number of VCs and private investors.

As the company is looking towards commercialisation in parallel to its final stages of technological development, we are seeking an ambitious individual to join the company as the Protein Purification Scientist to work on the extraction and purification of high value recombinant proteins using a new fast-growing photosynthetic bacteria. To succeed in this role, the candidate must possess a can-do attitude whilst having clear judgement under pressure. They will assist the CSO and CTO in translating the R&D from bench-to-product and have a keen interest in being a part of the commercialisation journey for a brand new game-changing technology for carbon-negative biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the research and development of protein (and other high value compound) extraction and purification from algae; primarily cyanobacteria
• Implement and validate assays for the detection, quantification, and functional analysis of both protein and non-protein biomolecules
• Employ advanced analytical techniques for protein characterisation, including mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and spectrophotometry
• Collaborate with molecular biologists on the design requirements for upstream cloning and expression
• Create tightly controlled and high quality manufacturing protocols once purification strategy has been developed
• Prepare and aliquot Minimum Viable Products in preparation for testing and eventual sale
• Analyse experimental data using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools, and present findings to internal teams and external collaborators
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, patent applications, and grant proposals, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of protein biochemistry and biotechnology research
• Stay current with the latest advancements in protein purification, applying new methodologies and concepts to enhance research outcomes
• Maintain and procure purification-related lab equipment and consumables
• Organise the purification lab area and work flow
• Line manage junior staff if needed

Qualifications and Preferred Skills:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or a related field, with a strong focus on protein purification.
• Extensive hands-on experience in protein isolation, purification, and characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in assay development, including designing, optimizing, and validating assays for protein and non-protein biomolecules such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and ELISA
• Experience in advanced analytical methods for protein quantification and analysis, such as mass spectrometry
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proven ability to design and execute complex experiments.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of transfer of R&D to a manufacturing environment would be beneficial

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience + incentive structures

25 days of paid annual leave + Bank Holidays. Up to 14 days of optional unpaid leave.

Travel

You may be offered opportunities to travel abroad for short durations for business, presenting research at conferences or working on pilot projects.

**All candidates submitting a CV and cover letter, regardless of experience level or age, will be considered for this role.**