The Protein Production Group provides support for all NBE & NCE projects from early stage target validation through to those undergoing pre-clinical evaluation, by generating recombinant protein reagents for immunization, structural studies, assays and compound screening. All reagents produced undergo biophysical analysis in order to enhance our understanding of their stability and solubility. You will be part of the Protein Production Group playing a key role in project success by generating high quality protein reagents in a timely manner. You will also assist with antibody discovery.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to rapidly impact on a wide range of our NBE & NCE projects, and to significantly contribute to the progression of these projects into the clinic and beyond.
Primary responsibilities
• You will be responsible for expressing and purifying high-quality recombinant protein reagents to support the novel world-leading antibody and NCE drug discovery platforms for a variety of exciting therapeutic projects.
• You will have an excellent and proven track record of protein reagent delivery.
• You will use your excellent practical skills, communication and team working abilities to drive innovative projects forward from the laboratory.
• You will be responsible for clearly presenting work and engaging in discussion in a variety of cross-functional and external collaborator meetings.
Requirements
Essential experience
Candidates will have extensive experience (PhD holder or graduate with 4-5 years) in protein biochemistry, focusing on recombinant protein production, preferably in an industrial environment
We are looking for candidates who are fully independent and competent in the following skill sets:
• Molecular Biology (DNA manipulation techniques and comprehensive knowledge and experience with software used in manipulating protein and DNA sequences (VNTI) and molecular visualisation of proteins (PyMOL or similar).
• Proficient in E.coli, insect and mammalian cell expression systems (and experience in 15N, 13C and 2H labelled expression in E.coli)
• Fully independent in protein purification techniques (affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, analytical SEC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and protein refolding techniques) and extensive experience working with AKTA purification platforms and associated software.
• Fully competent in protein characterisation techniques: SDS-PAGE, Western blot, analytical SEC, UV-Vis spectroscopy and UPLC.
• Excellent biochemistry knowledge with hands on experience of protein labelling and characterisation.
Good understanding of recombinant protein expression systems and the molecular biology involved in generating expression constructs.
• Thorough knowledge of the latest technologies involved in protein purification.
• Track record of recombinant protein production covering multiple protein classes including enzymes, structural proteins, cell signalling factors, cell surface receptors and their ligands produced as intracellular and secreted proteins.
• Ability to work on several projects and conduct experiments in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.
• A highly motivated individual with a proven ability to deliver to tight timelines.
• A good team player, with strong organisational, communication, record keeping and inter-personal skills.
• A scientist with an inquisitive and innovative nature and a passion for delivering innovative new medicines for patients suffering with serious disease.