Senior Scientist

OverviewLeafyColl is seeking an exceptional Protein Biochemist / Protein Purification Scientist to join our rapidly growing biotech team developing the world's first true plant-made, bio-identical collagen. You will play a central role in designing, troubleshooting, and executing analytical and purification workflows for recombinant collagen and other complex proteins expressed in plants, algae, and microbial systems. This role demands a scientist who can think independently, troubleshoot deeply, and operate confidently in a fast-paced startup environment where experimentation is non-linear and challenges are often novel. You will take ownership of protein detection, method development, and purification optimisation using Western blotting, SDS-PAGE, HPLC/FPLC, ÄKTA systems, and TFF. You must be able to diagnose weak analytical signals, solve antibody-related problems, optimise buffer/pH systems based on protein pI, and build robust assays from scratch. Experience working with challenging recombinant proteins and a natural ability to troubleshoot is essential. This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most exciting early-stage synthetic biology company and contribute to a platform with global commercial impact in beauty, nutraceuticals, and regenerative medicine.Key Responsibilities:You will:Establish efficient expression and purification systems of recombinant proteins emphasizing plant-based collagen and peptides, with a core focus on AKTA chromatography systems for high-precision isolation.Design, establish and optimise expression systems for tagged/untagged recombinant collagen in plant (including transient and stable expression), algal and microbial platforms.Harvest and process plant leaf biomass at laboratory and pilot scale (homogenization, clarification, removal of host cell contaminants).Operate and maintain advanced purification and analytical equipment, including AKTA platforms, HPLC, LC/MS, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) for process refinement and troubleshooting.Implement chromatography strategies (affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, size-exclusion) and integrate protein engineering techniques to enhance peptide stability, yield, and downstream compatibility.Develop and validate analytical assays using methods like SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, UV-Vis, HPLC, LC/MS, and SEC to assess purity, yield, integrity, and functionality.Collaborate with upstream teams to integrate expression workflows, applying sharp analytical skills to identify and resolve bottlenecks for seamless end-to-end processes.Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. Use effective communication on a day-to-day basis, both orally and in writing.Document protocols, prepare technical reports, and present data to internal teams and external partners, while supporting regulatory compliance through quality documentation.Contribute to scaling from bench to pilot, adapting insights from microbial/plant systems to achieve >90% recovery yields in sustainable production.Selection criteriaEssentialHold a PhD (or near completion) in protein biochemistry and structural biology Biochemical Engineering and Biochemistry or related field, with hands-on DSP experience for recombinant proteins (microbial or plant-based preferred.Have an excellent academic track record (at least one first author publication in an expert journal).Expertise in unit operations such as centrifugation, filtration (micro/ultrafiltration), precipitation, chromatography (ion-exchange, affinity), evaporation, and lyophilization.Proven proficiency in AKTA-based purification, chromatography method development, and TFF systems.Strong skills in analytical characterization, including HPLC and LC/MS for peptide profiling, Western Blotting for protein validation and quantification, and protein engineering for sequence optimization and expression enhancement.Experience with multiple expression systems, ideally plants and/or microalgae, and exceptional analytical skills for data interpretation, statistical analysis, and process innovation.Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to thrive independently in a fast-paced startup, leading projects from ideation to delivery.Ability to work independently and as part of a small, multidisciplinary team, including planning your own experiments, managing timelines, and contributing to joint projects.Excellent organisation and project management skills, with evidence of prioritising work, maintaining accurate records, and delivering results against milestones.Strong data analysis and documentation skills, including familiarity with scientific software, electronic lab notebooks, and standard office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present data clearly, write concise reports, and contribute to manuscripts, grant applications, or project proposals.Sound understanding of Health & Safety and COSHH, with the ability to follow and contribute to risk assessments and laboratory best practiceApplicants must have an existing right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract.Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contractContract length: 18 monthsPay: £34,000.00-£42,000.00 per yearBenefits:Company pensionEducation:PhD (preferred)Work Location: In personApplication deadline: 06/12/2025Expected start date: 01/01/2026