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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge team to design and execute complex experiments in drug discovery.
- Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in biotechnology focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Competitive contract salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to work with innovative technologies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by contributing to the discovery of treatments for serious diseases.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent in biology/biochemistry and experience in drug discovery.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd
Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35
Location: On-site, 5 days a week (Milton Park R&D, Abingdon Oxon)
Department: Molecular and Cell Biology
Two Contract Roles:
- Senior Research Scientist, 14-month contract
- Senior Research Scientist, 6-month contract
Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.
General Summary
We are seeking two experienced bench scientists with a strong drug discovery background who are talented, selfâmotivated and collaborative, to join Vertex's exceptional highâthroughput biology team at their stateâofâtheâart Oxford site. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in biochemistry and will work independently to design, execute and interpret complex data from a range of biochemical and cellular assays. This role is an excellent opportunity for an innovative scientist to use best in class technology and automation to contribute towards the discovery of treatments for serious diseases.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for executing medicinal chemistry screens, collecting and interpreting data, ensuring assays are robust and meet QC guidelines, and communicating data to key stakeholders.
- Apply innovative approaches to assay development.
- Design and conduct complex experiments to provide key decisionâmaking data for project stakeholders, troubleshooting and defining next steps.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners (e.g., medicinal chemistry, structural biology) to support integrated drug discovery programs.
- Prepare and present data in team meetings, contributing scientific insight and recommendations to guide strategy.
- Maintain exceptional standards of scientific rigour, accurate documentation, data integrity and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong expertise in biochemistry/enzymology.
- Extensive experience of small molecule drug discovery research, particularly of reversible, irreversible and heterobifunctional small molecules.
- Hands-on experience of designing and executing biochemical and cellâbased assays.
- Experience of automation and miniaturisation of assays preferred.
- Knowledge of data software and scheduling packages e.g., Genedata and Cellario desirable.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fastâpaced innovative environment.
Education and Experience
Ph.D., Masters or Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, biochemistry or related science and relevant level of postâdoctoral employment experience.
Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.
Senior Research Scientist in London employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Contact Detail:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Scientist in London
â¨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, seminars, or even local meetups. We all know that sometimes itâs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Research Scientist role.
â¨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with biochemical and cell-based assays. We want to see you shine, so donât hold back on sharing your innovative approaches to assay development!
â¨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Vertex and their drug discovery pipeline. We recommend preparing some insightful questions about their projects and how your expertise in biochemistry can contribute. This shows youâre genuinely interested and ready to jump in!
â¨Apply Through Our Website
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Weâre here to help you every step of the way, so letâs get you that contract position at Vertex!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in biochemistry and drug discovery, and donât forget to mention any hands-on work with biochemical and cell-based assays. We want to see how your skills align with what Vertex is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why youâre passionate about drug discovery and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the team at Vertex. Keep it concise but impactful â we love a good story that showcases your journey.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Vertex values collaboration, so make sure to highlight any experiences where youâve worked with cross-functional teams. Whether itâs with medicinal chemistry or structural biology, we want to see how you can contribute to integrated drug discovery programs.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us youâre serious about joining the Vertex team and making an impact in the world of biotechnology.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
â¨Know Your Science
Brush up on your biochemistry and drug discovery knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, especially around biochemical and cell-based assays. Vertex is looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so showcasing your expertise will definitely impress.
â¨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Prepare to share how youâve contributed to team projects and how you handle differing opinions. This will show that youâre a team player, which is crucial at Vertex.
â¨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Vertex values innovation, so be prepared to discuss challenges you've faced in your research and how you overcame them. Think about specific experiments where you had to troubleshoot or adapt your approach. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
â¨Practice Presenting Data
Since you'll need to prepare and present data in team meetings, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Use visuals if possible, and be ready to explain your findings and recommendations. This will demonstrate your communication skills and scientific insight.
