Senior Scientist I - Protein Science Pipeline in Oxford

The main purpose for the incumbent in this role is to engineer ImmTAX molecules to support advancement of pipeline programs. This will involve understanding the impact on larger projects, demonstrating knowledge of drug development, and introducing new techniques to improve workflows. The individual will work in ambiguous situations, interpret data, and make recommendations. They will contribute to "go/no go" decisions with technical proficiency and creativity, solving moderately difficult problems with sound judgment. An understanding of strategy and the potential impact of decisions is required.

The individual will participate in meetings, influence scientific thinking, and demonstrate leadership through team participation and mentoring. The role involves independently planning, designing, and executing projects, managing multiple projects with moderate guidance.

• Design and independently conduct experimental investigations, with guidance from line manager or colleagues where appropriate.
• Designing and producing DNA constructs for TCR, antibody and ImmTAX expression and DNA libraries for affinity maturation.
• Identifying specific TCRs and antibodies from phage libraries through series of selection rounds.
• Perform TCR and antibody affinity maturation using phage display to identify high affinity and specific molecules.
• Analyse specificity of identified TCR/antibody-phage clones using ELISA and MAGPIX methods.
• Execute TCR and antibody discovery, affinity maturation and screening processes to be suitable for unstable target proteins.
• TCR, antibody and ImmTAX expression in mammalian and bacterial cells and purification via affinity tags or using ion-exchange and size exclusion chromatography (ӒKTA system).
• Analysing TCR, antibody and ImmTAX binding affinity, kinetics and specificity using SPR (BIAcore).
• Assessment of novel methods for process optimisation, in collaboration with Protein Engineering.
• Support junior scientists to help them overcome technical difficulties.
• Independently analyse and report experimental results and present at company meetings.
• Work collaboratively with scientists from other groups and functional areas.
• Maintain accurate records of all work by following Company procedures.

Education, Experience and Knowledge – Essential

• Expert in the areas of protein biochemistry and/or molecular biology with several years’ experience in a number of the following areas:

• Protein expression in bacterial and/or mammalian systems.
• Protein purification using column chromatography methods and ӒKTA system (such as via affinity tags, ion exchange and size exclusion).
• Analysis of protein-protein interactions using SPR (BIAcore).
• Molecular cloning of DNA constructs (primer design, sequence analysis, PCR and gel electrophoresis).
• Construction of DNA libraries and screening using display technologies.

Essential Qualifications

• BSc. Or MSc. in protein engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline.
• Typically requires a minimum of 5+ years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in related discipline.