Senior Scientist Structural Biology in Macclesfield

We are currently recruiting for a permanent position based at our site in Alderley Park.

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.

Purpose of the Role

Responsible for establishing and executing Structural Biology work plans. Accountable for delivery of Structural Biology projects within early drug discovery, across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas, within their area of expertise.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and execute agreed work plans for early drug discovery projects, in alignment with project goals, budgets, and timelines.
• Support multiple concurrent projects and, when required, direct internal resources to achieve agreed objectives.
• Review and interpret experimental results to ensure data quality and alignment with project specifications.
• Accountable, in partnership with project counterparts, for experimental design, documentation review, and client presentations, including thorough data analysis prior to release to internal or external customers.
• Propose experimental designs and novel approaches to identify and advance optimal project strategies, in addition to planning and executing agreed deliverables.
• Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences, as appropriate.
• Present and publish peer‑reviewed scientific work, contributing to personal development and enhancing Evotec’s scientific reputation.
• Ensure accurate, efficient, and timely data recording and reporting for all laboratory procedures.
• Oversee routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory instruments to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and proactively contribute to improving safety practices in line with current recommendations.

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong technical expertise in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and/or biophysics, with a proven ability to design and deliver results across multiple target families within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience leading cryo‑EM and/or X‑ray crystallography projects, from sample preparation through structure refinement, analysis, and delivery.
• Hands‑on experience operating cryo‑EM instrumentation (e.g., Titan Krios, Glacios) and/or strong understanding of synchrotron data collection strategies.
• Proficiency in processing and analyzing structural data using relevant software packages, such as RELION, cryoSPARC, Phenix, Global Phasing, and/or CCP4.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with computational, biophysical, and medicinal chemistry teams to inform and guide structure‑based drug design.
• Experience preparing and executing project work plans and building trusted partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Track record of high‑quality scientific problem‑solving and cross‑functional collaboration, delivering impactful results.
• Demonstrated research experience with peer‑reviewed publications in a relevant scientific field.

Education and Qualifications

Ideally, a PhD or equivalent experience in structural biology and biophysics, with some experience in an industrial setting. Alternatively, a relevant first degree combined with several additional years of experience in drug discovery.

Evotec Leadership Competencies

• Understanding: Starts conducting more research and recognises threats, trends, and changing circumstances; can articulate strategic assumptions and risk/benefit analysis of situations.
• Beginning Risk-Taking: Willing to take small risks with support and guidance from experienced colleagues.
• Emerging Initiative: Shows emerging leadership in driving outcomes, occasionally needs support and direction.
• Active Communication: Communicates actively, working on further clarity and responsiveness.
• Constructive Feedback: Actively seeks and provides constructive feedback, using it to improve processes and outcomes.
• Solid Team Interaction: Collaborates with the team and external groups to work towards an established goal.
• Occasional Planning: Begins anticipating problems and improves on proactively taking precautions.

Benefits Package

• 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.
• Wellbeing 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

• 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.