At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery using advanced biophysical techniques like surface plasmon resonance.
- Company: Nxera Pharma, a tech-driven biopharma focused on improving patient lives globally.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team tackling challenging GPCR targets.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in drug discovery for unmet medical needs.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc with hands-on experience in drug discovery and SPR expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Talentmark is delighted to be partnering with Nxera Pharma to appoint a Senior Scientist – SPR to join their Biophysics team within the Protein Sciences division based in Granta Park, Cambridge. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programmes, applying advanced biophysical techniques from early hit identification through to development candidate selection.
Nxera Pharma is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally, focused on therapeutic areas in inflammation diseases, neurology and immunology.
As a Senior Scientist, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality biophysical data to inform drug discovery decisions, with a strong emphasis on surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
Key responsibilities:- Perform high-resolution characterisation of protein–ligand interactions using SPR, including kinetic and affinity analysis to support structure–activity relationship (SAR) and mechanistic understanding.
- Design and execute fragment-based and small-molecule screening campaigns, including hit identification, validation, and kinetic profiling.
- Develop, optimise and qualify robust SPR assays, applying appropriate binding models and data analysis approaches.
- Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement in SPR methodologies and the broader biophysics toolkit.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary project teams to advance membrane protein targets through the drug discovery pipeline.
- Communicate findings effectively through reports, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
- Proven hands-on experience in a drug discovery environment (PhD or MSc with equivalent industry experience).
- Strong expertise in SPR, including experimental design and data interpretation using Biacore platforms (8K experience highly desirable).
- Experience with complementary techniques such as BLI, mass spectrometry, nDSF or fluorescence-based assays is advantageous.
- Exposure to membrane proteins is beneficial but not essential.
- Join a highly innovative and collaborative biophysics function.
- Work on scientifically challenging GPCR targets at the forefront of drug discovery.
- Play a visible role in shaping programmes from early discovery through to candidate selection.
It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference 184629 in all correspondence.
Senior Scientist, Biophysics in Cambridge employer: Talentmark
Nxera Pharma is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in the heart of Cambridge's Granta Park. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and encourages contributions to groundbreaking drug discovery programmes, particularly in the fields of inflammation diseases, neurology, and immunology. With a strong emphasis on advanced biophysical techniques and a commitment to improving patient lives, Nxera Pharma provides a meaningful and rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Biophysics in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biophysics field, especially those who work with SPR. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn about hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work with SPR and other biophysical techniques. This can really set you apart during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors in the field. Focus on articulating your experience with protein-ligand interactions and how you've contributed to drug discovery projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities at Nxera Pharma that could be perfect for you. Keep an eye on our listings and get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Biophysics in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience with SPR and any relevant biophysical techniques. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drug discovery and how your skills can contribute to our team at Nxera Pharma. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've contributed to projects in the past, especially those involving SPR or similar techniques. We love to see results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talentmark
✨Know Your SPR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Biacore platforms and how you've applied these in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've designed experiments and interpreted data.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think about challenges you've faced in drug discovery and how you overcame them. Nxera Pharma values innovation, so be prepared to share instances where you've contributed to improving methodologies or developed new approaches in your work.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, highlight your collaboration skills. Share examples of successful teamwork, especially in cross-functional projects, and how you communicated findings effectively to different stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to kinetic and affinity analysis, as well as fragment-based screening campaigns. Brush up on relevant theories and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in practice. This will show your depth of knowledge and readiness for the role.
