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- 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: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic environment with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the discovery of treatments for serious diseases.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent in biology/biochemistry with strong drug discovery experience.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and scientific excellence.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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
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 an experienced bench scientist with a strong drug discovery background who is talented, self-motivated and collaborative, to join Vertex exceptional high-throughput biology team at their state-of-the-art 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 decision-making 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 cell-based 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.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced 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 post-doctoral 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, 6-month contract in Oxford employer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Contact Detail:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Scientist, 6-month contract in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, especially those who might know someone at Vertex. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your biochemistry and drug discovery knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Vertex values teamwork, so be sure to highlight any experiences where you’ve worked with cross-functional teams. It’s all about demonstrating that you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job at Vertex.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist, 6-month contract in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Scientist role. Highlight your experience in biochemistry and drug discovery, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on work with biochemical and cell-based assays.
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 align with Vertex's mission. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. We want to see that you can thrive in a multidisciplinary environment!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your biochemistry and enzymology knowledge. Be ready to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to small molecule drug discovery. Prepare to explain how your expertise aligns with the role at Vertex.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Vertex values teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to integrated drug discovery programs and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about assay development and data interpretation. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies and automation techniques in the field. You might be asked to troubleshoot a hypothetical experiment, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since you'll need to present data and insights, practice summarising complex information in a straightforward manner. Think about how you would communicate your findings in team meetings, and be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication skills during the interview.