Senior Scientist – Protein Expression & Automation (Location: Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, Full time, Permanent)
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Protein Biochemistry team, with a primary focus on protein expression and automation at scale. This role requires deep expertise in E. coli, mammalian, and insect (baculovirus) expression systems, including expression optimisation of complex and challenging targets.
You will play a key role in designing, implementing and scaling automated expression platforms, while ensuring delivery of high‑quality protein and data to support drug discovery programmes. Through hands‑on scientific leadership, you will drive multiple projects simultaneously and contribute to advancing both platform capabilities and scientific excellence.
Key Accountabilities
- Design, optimise and execute protein expression workflows across multiple host systems (E. coli, mammalian, insect).
- Develop and implement high‑throughput expression screening strategies to enable rapid construct evaluation.
- Optimise expression for challenging targets, including low‑yield, toxic, insoluble or membrane proteins.
- Integrate expression workflows with downstream purification and characterisation pipelines.
- Lead development of automated expression workflows, including:
- DNA preparation and cloning
- Transformation and transfection workflows
- Baculovirus generation and infection
- Small‑scale expression screening
- Utilise and develop liquid‑handling and automation platforms to increase throughput, robustness and reproducibility.
- Drive continuous improvement of workflows through automation, miniaturisation and standardisation.
- Contribute to digital lab initiatives (e.g., LIMS integration, data traceability, workflow digitisation).
- Apply programming or scripting (e.g., Python) to support data analysis, automation and optimisation.
- Design and implement expression analytics, including yield, solubility, secretion and expression profiling.
- Ensure high‑quality, reproducible data generation and accurate documentation.
- Lead and contribute to multiple projects, managing priorities and timelines effectively.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team development.
- Communicate scientific findings to internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences.
- Present and publish peer‑reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec's scientific reputation.
Knowledge & Experience
- Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression in:
- E. coli systems
- Mammalian systems (e.g., HEK, CHO; transient and/or stable)
- Insect systems (e.g., S2, baculovirus expression in Sf9/Hi5 cells)
- Proven experience in optimising expression of difficult targets.
- Strong hands‑on experience with:
- High‑throughput expression workflows
- Automation platforms (liquid handlers, plate‑based systems)
- Molecular biology techniques (cloning, construct design, vector systems)
- Demonstrated ability to design and optimise workflows end‑to‑end.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex expression challenges.
- Experience delivering results in fast‑paced, multi‑project environments.
- Experience with bioreactor systems (e.g., Wave, fed‑batch optimisation).
- Knowledge of cell‑line development and scale‑up strategies.
- Familiarity with cell‑free expression systems.
- Programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, R).
- Experience with LIMS and digital lab infrastructure.
- Use of in silico tools for construct design and expression optimisation.
- Experience preparing and executing workplans and building trusted partnerships with internal and external customers.
- Track record of leading scientists across specialist fields, facilitating employee growth and influencing stakeholders and colleagues.
- Experience of scientific development and research work, ideally with publications in a relevant scientific field.
Education and Qualifications
Ideally a Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific discipline with industry experience. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several additional years of experience in drug discovery.
About Evotec
Evotec is a leader in the discovery and development of novel small‑molecule drugs with operational sites in Europe and the USA. The company has built substantial drug discovery expertise and an industrialised platform that can drive new innovative small‑molecule compounds into the clinic. Evotec has a deep internal knowledge base in the treatment of diseases related to neuroscience, pain, oncology, inflammation and metabolic diseases, and intends to develop best‑in‑class differentiated therapeutics and deliver superior science‑driven discovery alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Benefits Package
- Pension on completion of your 3‑month probationary period (proportional contributions).
- Employee contributions: 5% salary‑sacrifice, match up to 7.5%.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional days on anniversary up to 30 days.
- Private health insurance with BUPA for employee, partner and family.
- Well‑being support, 24/7 counselling services.
- Permanent health insurance provides 75% of base salary after qualifying period.
- Private dental cover on completion of 3‑month probation.
- Eligibility to participate in Company Bonus Scheme (discretionary).
- Career progression, training and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, referral programme, annual events and recognition awards.
- On‑site facilities: secure parking, restaurant/café/gastro pub, gym/workout studio, running/walking/cycling routes.
- Good public transport links and shuttle bus service.
