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- Tasks: Develop and run assays for cancer drug discovery projects.
- Company: Join the Institute of Cancer Research, a leader in cancer research.
- Benefits: Dynamic research environment, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while collaborating with top scientists.
- Qualifications: Laboratory experience in small molecule screening and understanding of enzymology.
- Other info: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and training in new techniques.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Key Information
- Salary: Commencement on the salary range is subject to comparable skills and experience.
- Reporting to: Dr Caroline Ewens
- Duration of Contract: Fixed Term for 18 months initially
- Hours per week: 35 hours per week (Full Time)
- Location: Sutton
- Closing Date: Sunday 8th February
Under the guidance of Dr Caroline Ewens, we are seeking a highly motivated scientist keen to apply small molecule screening science expertise to help progress our cancer drug discovery projects from assay development and hit finding to candidate selection. The successful candidate will develop and run plate‑based biochemical and/or cellular screening assays to support the identification and characterisation of small‑molecule inhibitors against novel cancer targets using a variety of detection technologies. The successful candidate will be embedded in the Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team but work with multidisciplinary teams.
About you
Key requirements for the role are significant and broad all‑round laboratory experience monitoring small molecule binding and function applied to drug discovery. A good understanding of enzymology would be beneficial, as would prior use of automation equipment for liquid and compound handling used in compound profiling.
Department/Directorate Information
The Hit Discovery and Structural Design Team uses biochemical, cellular and biophysical assays to perform small‑molecule high‑throughput screening and fragment‑based hit discovery, coupled with X‑ray crystallography and electron microscopy to enable structure‑based drug design within the CCDD. These methodologies are underpinned by state‑of‑the‑art protein expression, purification and characterisation capabilities, allowing for the generation of large quantities of high‑quality protein targets.
We are based at the ICR Sutton site in the newly opened CCDD building. Pertinent to this role, the team is equipped with high quality tissue culture suites and specialist screening equipment enabling access to numerous technology readouts. Our multimode plate readers include two Pherastars (BMG) and two Envisions (Perkin Elmer). Our biophysical technologies available include DSF/TSA (Nanotemper Prometheus & Biorad 384 well thermal cyclers) and SPR (GE Healthcare T200 & 8K Biacores). The team has access to high content screening microscopes (GE Incell 2200), whole well imaging cytometers (2 Nexcelom Celigos) and live cell imaging instruments (Sartorius Incucyte Zoom and S3). To enable fast and accurate assay preparation, the team possesses a broad range of liquid handling equipment, including pipetting robots, Certus Flex (Gyger), and two Beckman ECHO acoustic dispensing machines integrated onto Access systems for compound dispensing.
You will be joining a team working at the crossroads of the drug discovery activities of the CCDD, where scientific excellence and team science are core values. This position will also offer training in new techniques and support will be available for attending training courses and appropriate academic meetings.
What we offer
- A dynamic and supportive research environment
- Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and professional development opportunities
- Collaboration with leading researchers in the field
- Competitive salary and pension
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Dr Caroline Ewens via Email.
About The Institute of Cancer Research
Why work for us? As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits. The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles. The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.
We look forward to receiving applications from all candidates, wherever in the world they are currently based. We will select those who display the potential to become, or to support, the world leading cancer researchers of the future based on their application and performance at interview. However, we particularly welcome British applicants from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, as they are under‑represented within the ICR and nationwide in STEM roles.
Higher Scientific Officer - Assay Development and Compound Profiling in Sutton Coldfield employer: The Institute Of Cancer Research
Contact Detail:
The Institute Of Cancer Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Scientific Officer - Assay Development and Compound Profiling in Sutton Coldfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of assay development and compound profiling. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy to slide into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to small molecule screening and drug discovery. Practise your responses, focusing on your lab experience and any automation equipment you've used. Confidence is key, so let your passion for cancer research shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work in biochemical and cellular assays. Include any projects where you’ve successfully developed screening assays or worked with multidisciplinary teams. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect how your skills align with the role of Higher Scientific Officer. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Scientific Officer - Assay Development and Compound Profiling in Sutton Coldfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Higher Scientific Officer. Highlight your relevant laboratory experience and any specific skills in small molecule screening or enzymology that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about cancer drug discovery. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in assay development and compound profiling.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be working in multidisciplinary teams, emphasise your collaborative experiences. We want to see how you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve scientific goals in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the ICR.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Institute Of Cancer Research
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of small molecule screening and enzymology. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in assay development and how they relate to the role. This will show your passion and expertise in drug discovery.
✨Familiarise with the Equipment
Get to know the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Pherastars and Envisions. If you have experience with similar equipment, be prepared to share examples of how you've used them effectively in past projects.
✨Teamwork is Key
Since this role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects or future directions in cancer drug discovery. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.