Purification & Analytics Scientist

Fusion Antibodies is a Contract Research Organisation (CRO) that provides a range of service in the area of antibody engineering for the development of antibodies for both therapeutic drug and diagnostic applications. Focusing on antibody generation, development, production, characterisation and optimisation, these services include antigen expression, antibody production, purification and sequencing, antibody humanisation using the Company’s proprietary CDRx™ platform and the production of antibody generating stable cell lines to provide material for use in clinical trials. Since 2012, the Company has successfully sequenced over 250 antibodies and successfully completed over 215 humanisation projects for its clients with 8 out of the first 33 humanisation projects

Headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Company was established in 2001 as a spin out from Queen’s University. It was initially a drug development business but revised its operations to focus on CRO work in 2011. The company has over 20 employees and was listed on AIM in December 2017. The company has ambitious plans to grow with a strategy based on the expansion of its client base as well as the addition of new service offerings. This strategy uses the Company’s proven technology and expertise and targets expansion both in the UK market and internationally. Key new service offerings being developed include antibody affinity maturation and a Mammalian Antibody Library Discovery Platform which represent key future growth drivers.

Fusion is at a key value inflection point in the Company’s evolution with a key focus on expanding/driving current commercial performance and accessing additional value generating opportunities as well as launch preparations for the new service offerings.

Brief Position Summary

This is an entry level position, reporting to the Purification & Analytics Manager, the role of Purification & Analytics Scientist will be responsible for delivering production projects on behalf of clients and the R&D team. The successful candidate should have a basic knowledge of protein expression, purification and characterization methods and a knowledge of general cell culture techniques would be advantageous.

Primary Position Responsibilities/Tasks

• Report to the Purification & Analytics Manager
• To accurately record the experiments performed and ensure full documentation compliant with quality procedures
• Share and discuss data with line manager to ensure production demands are met within agreed timelines.
• Support routine laboratory operation and maintenance.
• Maintaining SOPs and WIs
• Management of stock reagents
• Prepare and present oral and written reports on research activities to internal audiences.
• Maintain appropriate awareness of safety procedures, attend required safety training and adhere to laboratory safety rules as defined by the health and safety guidance.
• Ensure that all duties are performed in accordance with organisational standards, policies and procedures.
• Undertake other laboratory and business-related tasks as and when required to meet department and business needs and within the scope of the job-holder’s capabilities and responsibilities
• Represent the company to the highest of professional standards, both internally and externally

Job Specification

• Minimum BSc in a Biology related discipline.
• Key skills of the post holder include excellent aseptic technique, ability to work well independently and as part of a team and have good organization and communication skills.
• Experience with MS office applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience in performing protein purification using FPLC equipment.
• Experience using mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Knowledge of production of proteins using mammalian cell lines.
• Familiarity with working in an ISO 9001:2015 environment.

In return the successful applicant will receive a salary and benefits package: career development including learning and development opportunities, 23 days holiday + statutory days, free car parking, paid medical appointments, enhanced pension contribution plus many more.