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- Tasks: Drive small molecule drug discovery using mass spectrometry in a collaborative lab environment.
- Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in biotechnology focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in drug discovery while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent experience in mass spectrometry and small molecule analysis.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to scientific innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Company Name: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Type of Role: Contract position, Inside IR35
Location: On-site, 5 days a week (Milton Park R&D, Abingdon, Oxon)
Department: Structural Biology and Biophysics
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:
Vertex are seeking a highly motivated and skilled lab-based scientist to join their Structural Biology and Biophysics (SBB) department to drive small molecule drug discovery using mass spectrometry (MS). This team supports projects from early stage through to preclinical, and MS is an essential technology within their hit-finding and lead optimisation approaches. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering mass spectrometry (MS)-based assays to support the optimisation of small molecule ligands as part of the drug discovery process. Excellent communication skills are required, and a strong ability to work in a team. Experience with characterizing macromolecules (intact mass, peptide mapping, PTMs), proteomics, Native, or HDX would be desirable. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and drug discovery efforts in a collaborative and innovative environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and validate robust small molecule MS-based assays to support drug discovery and development programs.
- Optimise assay conditions to ensure high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility for small molecule detection and quantification.
- Collaborate with structural biology and biophysics teams to integrate MS data with structural and biophysical insights.
- Work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other scientists to align assay development with project goals.
- Communicate results effectively through presentations, reports, and publications.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory SOPs, and detailed record keeping in electronic notebook.
- Maintain, operate and troubleshoot LCMS instrumentation for routine and novel assays.
Qualifications:
- Relevant Ph.D. or equivalent experience with proven track record of small molecule mass spec delivery.
- Experience running and analysing quantitative small molecule mass spec assays.
- Practical experience working with triplequad MS platforms.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting complex instrumentation.
- Track record for scientific problem solving.
- Sound understanding of data analysis principles and familiarity with data analysis software packages with particular focus on small molecule MS analysis.
- Self-driven ability to organise resources and data, manage time and priorities.
- Desire to work in a fast, collaborative, and team-oriented environment.
- The ability to communicate clear and concise updates across a variety of audience levels, keep track of experimental records and results.
- Experience with data organisation and downstream reporting of MS data to other disciplines e.g. medicinal chemistry.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of small molecule Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry (AS-MS).
- Experience in biochemical, biophysical, bioanalytical, and/or cellular MS screening technologies.
- Familiarity with other protein MS techniques such as Intact Mass, Native, HDX.
- Experience of working within the drug discovery industry.
Senior Research Scientist Mass Spectrometry, 12-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 Mass Spectrometry, 12-month contract in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech field, especially those who work at Vertex or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mass spectrometry and drug discovery. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or research that highlights your experience with small molecule mass spec assays. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to make an impact in the biotech world.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Scientist Mass Spectrometry, 12-month contract in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with mass spectrometry and drug discovery. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role at Vertex and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our mission.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to highlight your teamwork experiences. We want to know how you've worked with others in the lab and contributed to successful projects, so share those stories!
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 the position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
✨Know Your Mass Spectrometry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your mass spectrometry knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used, like triple quad MS or AS-MS, and how they relate to drug discovery. This will show that you're not just familiar with the technology but can also apply it effectively in a research setting.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Vertex values teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you collaborated with medicinal chemists or biologists, as this will demonstrate your ability to integrate MS data with other scientific insights.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are a must for this role, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would present your findings to different audiences, whether they're scientists or non-scientists. This will help you stand out as someone who can effectively convey important information.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially related to troubleshooting instrumentation or optimising assay conditions. Prepare specific examples of challenges you've faced in the lab and how you overcame them. This will showcase your analytical skills and self-driven nature.
