Scientist Analytical Development | Characterisation in Oxford

Location of role: Oxford, UK

Department: CMC

Key Responsibilities

• 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, including peptide mapping (LC-MS/MS) and intact mass spectrometry analysis.
• To leverage bioinformatics and data science tools to manage large datasets and perform advanced analyses, deriving insights from complex data to support biopharmaceutical development.
• The individual will work effectively within established procedures, potentially introducing new methodologies and knowledge in a structured environment with some ambiguity.
• They will demonstrate potential for technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and independent thought, working on problems of practical and moderate scope that require analysis of identifiable factors.
• The role involves exercising judgment within defined procedures to determine appropriate actions, with the understanding that erroneous decisions could cause delays and impact weekly and monthly plans.
• This position requires participation and presentation of results at internal meetings, sharing information learned at external scientific meetings, and beginning to establish relationships and collaborations within and outside the company.
• The individual will plan, design, and execute assignments with instruction and guidance from a manager, being responsible for meeting project goals within time and budget constraints.
• They will explain moderate technical issues and work to build alignment around straightforward situations, normally receiving general instructions on routine and new assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Supporting drug substance and drug product impurity characterisation.
• Contribute to the development of characterisation methods of ImmTAX and other molecules, 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.
• Independently conducting experiments based on established protocols, understanding the limitations and expected outcomes of an experiment, and seeking guidance and support from colleagues and line managers when the outcomes are not as expected or the approaches may need to be reconsidered.
• Contribute to writing study protocols and reports.
• Planning and working to agreed experiment deadlines, schedules and objectives; advising managers and colleagues of risks and deviations.
• Proactively seeking to expand scientific knowledge through individual learning, peer to peer mentoring, and line managerial support.
• Ensuring that all records and information are up to date, on time and recorded to the correct standard.
• Ensuring that laboratory equipment is operated in accordance with safety and risk guidelines; acting promptly to report any faults or problems to the relevant member of staff; undergoing training on the use of technical instruments.
• Comply with all H&S requirements, attending appropriate training courses.
• Communicating and presenting research findings at meetings with colleagues.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

Essential Qualifications

• BSc. or MSc. in biochemistry, biotechnology or related discipline, with 2 years experience.

Desirable

• PhD in related discipline.

Essential Experience

• Experience in development of HPLC based peptide mapping methods and mass spectrometric characterisation of proteins and peptides.
• Experience of N-linked glycosylation analysis.
• Experience of LC-MS data analysis software.
• Worked in a bench-based biopharmaceutical or academic laboratory environment.
• Familiar with biopharmaceutical degradation study principles and interpretation thereof.
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with bioinformatics and data science workflows, including the use of scripting (e.g. R, Python) or specialized software for the processing and statistical analysis of large-scale datasets.
• Method development and qualification.
• Presented results and scientific practices to internal teams.
• Understanding of analytical requirements to support materials for use in clinical trials.

About the Company

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.