At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative models for immune-related diseases and support drug discovery efforts.
- Company: Maxion Therapeutics, a pioneering biotech firm in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, on-site gym, and vibrant community.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking treatments in immunology.
- Qualifications: PhD in Immunology or related field with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Maxion
Maxion has engineered a new class of biologics by harnessing knottins, one of nature’s most potent modulators of ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Combining a knottin with an antibody’s advantageous drug properties, we are developing transformative treatments that reach new levels of specificity and durability for patients with ion channel and GPCR-driven diseases. Initially focused on immunological diseases, heart disorders and chronic pain, our pipeline of proprietary KnotBody® molecules will access targets that have long remained beyond the reach of biologics.
Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team boasts a stellar track record. Dr Schottelius has held senior leadership positions, successfully advancing therapeutics from research to late-stage clinical development and building valuable portfolios of drug candidates and pharma partnerships. Maxion’s co-founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co-founded IONTAS, and together invented KnotBody® technology. Dr McCafferty is also renowned for co-inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co-founding Cambridge Antibody Technology.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Scientist with deep expertise in human immunology to join our Translational Biology team on a fixed term basis. Reporting to the Director of Translational Biology, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing disease relevant in vitro/ex vivo models and delivering data packages to support MOA studies and indication selection. The ideal candidate will play a key role in our drug discovery efforts and contribute to achieving our ambitious goals. We value individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to our agile and fast-paced work culture.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and establish in vitro and ex vivo models of immune-related diseases using primary material.
- Characterise the pharmacology and MOA of lead KnotBodies in primary immunology models.
- Contribute to wider translational activities including in vivo study design and interpretation.
- Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members.
- Solve problems and troubleshoot on a day-to-day basis.
- Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time, following Company procedures.
Candidate Profile
- PhD in Immunology, pharmacology or related field.
- Relevant postdoctoral or industrial experience is essential.
- Previous experience with primary human PBMCs and tissue, and proficiency with assays for antibody/biologic characterisation including cell binding, activation and proliferation.
- Technical expertise in primary cell culture and tissue dissociation, multicolour flow cytometry and cell sorting, ELISA/MSD.
- Actively contributes to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams.
- Has the desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can-do attitude.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary based on experience.
- A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Located in a state-of-the-art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
- Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
- A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.
To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, answering the questions including your salary expectations. This is a 12 month fixed-term position.
Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.
SENIOR SCIENTIST – TRANSLATIONAL BIOLOGY 12 month FTC (Maternity Cover) employer: Maxion Therapeutics
Maxion Therapeutics is an exceptional employer located at the Unity Campus in Cambridge, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment that encourages collaboration and creativity among its team of leading scientists. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth while working on groundbreaking biologics that aim to transform patient care. The state-of-the-art facilities, supportive culture, and access to key opinion leaders in the field make Maxion an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SENIOR SCIENTIST – TRANSLATIONAL BIOLOGY 12 month FTC (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Involved with Local Research Groups
Look for temporary roles in biology by connecting with local universities or research institutions. Attend open seminars, conferences, or even lab tours to network with professionals and discover any upcoming opportunities—sometimes they even need extra hands on short projects!
✨Leverage Social Media and Forums
Join online communities or forums related to biology—places like Twitter, Reddit, or even LinkedIn groups can be goldmines for discovering temporary roles. Follow industry leaders and engage with their content to make your presence known in the community.
✨Tap into Job Boards Specialised in Science
Sites focussed on science jobs, such as Nature Jobs or BioSpace, are perfect for temporary roles in biology. Set up alerts for relevant keywords to stay ahead of the game and apply as soon as you find something that fits your skill set!
✨Consider Seasonal Work and Internships
Biology often has seasonal hiring—look for internships or temp positions during peak times like summer. These roles can lead to great experience and connections that might open doors for future opportunities. Just remember, we encourage you to apply through our website to streamline your application process with Maxion Therapeutics!
We think you need these skills to ace SENIOR SCIENTIST – TRANSLATIONAL BIOLOGY 12 month FTC (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:For a temporary role in biology, make sure to highlight any specific lab techniques or research experiences you've participated in. If you've worked on any projects, mention your contributions and what you learned – this is what will catch Maxion Therapeutics's eye!
Keep It Fluid and Adaptable:Given that it's a temporary position, your application should reflect your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly. In your cover letter, discuss how your background has prepared you to jump into new situations or adapt to different lab environments in a heartbeat.
Certifications Matter!:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like lab safety or specific research methodologies, be sure to include them in your CV. These can really demonstrate your readiness for immediate contributions at Maxion Therapeutics and save time during the hiring process.
Reflect Your Passion for Biology:Let your enthusiasm shine through your application! We want to see your genuine interest in biology and any recent trends or discoveries that fascinate you. This will show Maxion Therapeutics you’re not just a good choice for the role, but also a super-motivated candidate who’s keen to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxion Therapeutics
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Since this is a biology role, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in the lab. We should highlight any techniques or experiments you've performed that relate to the job, as those practical skills could really impress your interviewers at Maxion Therapeutics.
✨Brush Up on Key Concepts
Make sure we're familiar with recent developments in the field of biology. Interviewers might throw in some technical questions related to current research or methodologies. A quick review of recent papers or breakthroughs could give us a unique angle during our chat with Maxion Therapeutics.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Learning
Given that this is a temporary role, we should stress our adaptability and eagerness to learn. Employers like Maxion Therapeutics want to know that we're ready to hit the ground running. Share examples of how we've quickly adjusted to new environments or tasks in the past.
✨Prepare a Quick Project Summary
It might be useful to prepare a brief overview of any relevant projects or studies we've worked on. We can frame it in a way that showcases our contributions and what we learned, demonstrating how that experience will be beneficial in our role at Maxion Therapeutics.
