Protein Engineer

Job Description:

We are working in partnership with a start-up biotech firm, supporting them in the growth of their scientific team. They're actively seeking Protein Engineers with Phage Display expertise across varying levels of seniority to join their team. This role is full-time and requires on-site presence for five days a week.

In this role you will be a core part of the Protein Engineering team, working collaboratively with other protein engineers and biochemists to develop soluble high affinity bispecific TCR molecules suitable for later stage clinical development.

1. Test, screen and produce soluble TCR-based therapeutics for clinical development using cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, protein engineering methodologies, and structural biology approaches. Will include:
   (a) Develop and undertake established and novel strategies to affinity mature candidate soluble TCRs;
   (b) Design and construction of affinity maturation TCR libraries;
   (c) Screening of affinity maturation libraries outputs for affinity and cross reactivity;
   (d) DNA recombinant subcloning;
   (e) Sequence analyses of the library outputs.
2. Collaboratively with the Biology and CMC teams to guide optimization and development of soluble TCRs. Design and conduct experimental work to align with Company priorities and meet scientific timelines, report results succinctly and effectively. Work to your department, project team and the company leadership team.
3. Collaboratively with the other teams to guide optimization and development of soluble TCRs. Design and conduct experimental work to align with Company priorities and meet scientific timelines, report results succinctly and effectively. Scientific findings and summary conclusions to your department, project team and the company leadership team.
4. Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the Protein Engineering team, implementing novel technologies, workflows, and methodologies to enhance productivity and accelerate the drug development process.

Provide oversight of specific elements within a project or projects and supervise other scientists. A PhD in a relevant biological subject alongside some postdoctoral experience and/or experience in the biotech/pharma industry.

(Desired but not essential) Experience line managing/supervising other scientists.

(Desired but not essential) Experience working in a matrix environment.

Direct hands-on laboratory experience in developing high affinity antibodies or soluble TCR molecules using molecular evolution approach (phage display, yeast display etc.) Strong proven expertise in molecular biology and protein engineering techniques, including rational design, phage display, library construction, affinity maturation approaches, site-directed mutagenesis, cloning.

Experience in screening affinity maturation outputs and candidate molecules through techniques such as ELISA, DNA sequence analyses etc. (Desired but not essential) Experience in purifying and refolding proteins. (Desired but not essential) Experience in analyses of protein affinity and cross-reactivity using SPR/Biacore.

Working proactively with the team to develop effective strategies prioritized to the needs of the Protein Engineering group; collaborating effectively with other functions. Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working. Strong communication skills with the confidence and judgment to challenge appropriately. Demonstrable problem-solving ability, creative thinking and be pro-active in driving the project forwards.