Scientist - Molecular Virology

Role: Scientist – Molecular Virology

Keywords: virology, pseudovirus, mRNA, lentivirus, LNPs, vaccines, neutralisation assay, immunology.

Team: R&D, Translational Research Team, Target modelling and vaccine delivery.

Start date: Immediate

Period: Full time, permanent

Location: London Bioscience Innovation Centre in King’s Cross, London (On-site)

Closing Date for Applications: 11:00 on 12/12/2024

About us

Baseimmune is a discovery stage biotechnology start-up focused on revolutionising vaccines through advanced computational antigen design. Founded by the team that pioneered computational vaccines at the Jenner Institute University of Oxford, our mission is to harness the fields of data science, machine learning and computational biology within a multi-disciplinary team to redefine cross-protective and mutation-proof vaccines.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled molecular virologist to join the growing lab team at Baseimmune and be a core member of the Translational Research Team as part of the Formulation and Delivery optimisation units. This is a lab-based role that requires a combination of scientific and technical expertise in the fields of virology, molecular biology, cell biology and assay development. The role offers the opportunity to work across different teams in an innovative and fast-paced research environment, in a growing biotechnology company, where your contributions will directly impact and shape the development of groundbreaking vaccines.

In this role, you will provide and apply your expertise and knowledge to a) the design, validation, optimisation, and execution, of neutralisation assays to evaluate our innovative candidates , b) assessment and optimisation of novel vaccine delivery platforms including protein based nanoplatform- and -lipid based mRNA formulations and c) assist in the development of novel functional assays to assess performance of our vaccine candidates. You will actively participate in the execution of translational research and vaccine development programmes, contribute to strategy and design of the pipeline, and mentor technical staff. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge and technical experience in molecular virology and cell biology and should be confident in a range of applied molecular biology and biochemistry assays, including cell culture, lentivirus/pseudovirus design and production, molecular cloning and (pseudo)neutralisation assays.

This role is ideal for individuals seeking growth and advancement in the vaccine development field, while contributing to the ambitious objectives of a dynamic company like Baseimmune.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the development of robust pseudotyped viral design platforms to generate and characterise pseudoviral stocks.
• Lead in the development, validation and roll-out of additional pseudoviral and neutralisation capabilities as required.
• Actively participate in the development, validation and optimisation of vaccine formulation protocols involving design, production and validation of mRNA (IVT), LNPs and VLPs.
• To conceptualise, design, develop and execute innovative functional assays adapted to a variety of targets as part of our preclinical evaluation pipeline.
• Cell culture (propagation, isolation, banking and characterisation) of cell lines and primary cells, including processing of immune tissues.
• Generate fit-for-purpose designed stable cell lines as part of our target validation platforms to assess the design and performance of our vaccine candidates.
• To obtain a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL A-C) to work with rodents (supported by the company), gain hands-on experience with animal models and actively participate in the designing and overseeing of in vivo experiments
• Collaborating effectively with other functions within the Translational Research team to support and assist their research activities as needed (according to your experience and/or following adequate training and supervision), including supporting the training and mentoring of junior research staff.
• Demonstrating and maintaining knowledge in own area of expertise using literature and database data and apply it to critical analysis of new targets and the successful execution of experiments.
• Maintain detailed records and analysis of experimental procedures, observations, and results in compliance with data integrity procedures and contribute to the preparation of study reports and presentations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Contribute to good laboratory principles, health and safety practices in the lab, including routine cleaning, maintenance, housekeeping responsibilities, as well as writing and reviewing of risk assessments and SOPs as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• A PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or other related discipline with applicable experience in virology; OR Master's Degree in a relevant subject plus a minimum 4 year of relevant research experience in an academic or biotech/pharma setting.
• Strong knowledge of virology, molecular and cellular biology applied to assay development.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in at least one of the following (more is highly desirable):

a. Virology and immune response to viral infections particularly developing, validating and optimising neutralisation assays.

b. Design, production, characterisation, and use of pseudotyped viral platforms (lentivirus, VSV, HIV, etc) and neutralisation assays.

c. Production, characterisation, and QC of viral vectors/LNPs/VLPs for vaccine/gene delivery.

d. Lentiviral design, production, characterisation and use for gene delivery or stable cell- line generation.

• Proven technical expertise cell culture and CL-2 environments using aseptic techniques.
• Proven technical expertise in assay development and protocol optimisation.
• Extensive experience in cell and molecular biology techniques including cloning, plasmid design, DNA amplification in bacteria, transfection, mammalian cell-line maintenance, immunofluorescence assay, etc.
• Experience in basic biochemical assays including ELISA, western blot, immunoblotting, SDS-PAGE, etc.

Leadership and Soft Skills

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team but also able to execute tasks independently when needed.
• Able to ensure reproducible and transferable work through appropriate procedures and documentation.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence and judgement to challenge appropriately.
• Able to proactively apply knowledge, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking in driving the project forwards.
• A can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Home Office Personal Licence, PIL A-C with rodents and hands-on experience with animal models and/or designing and overseeing in vivo experiments.
• Experience with in vitro transcription (IVT) of mRNA.
• Experience involving virus handling and neutralisation assay development.
• Experience in design, production, and QC of viral vectors as vaccine delivery systems (AV, AAV, etc).
• Experience with CRISPR based editing technology to generate stable cell lines (KO and/or KI).
• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics or vaccines.
• Experience in the field of infectious diseases and microbiology.

What we Offer

• Competitive starting salary
• Central London location for lab and office
• Private medical health and dental insurance
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• 26 days holiday leave + bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Pension plan

Please note that Baseimmune does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and regret that we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship currently.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.

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