Scientist – Protein Purification and Biochemistry
CK Group are recruiting for a Scientist – Protein Purification and Biochemistry to join a biotech start-up focused on developing novel immunotherapies.
The role will be based at their site in Cambridge and is a 1 year Fixed Term Contract role, with Mon-Fri day time working hours.
The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Scientist to join our team in Cambridge. Working with a dynamic group of drug discovery scientists, you will contribute to the therapeutic pipeline by applying expertise in protein purification and biochemistry. The successful candidate will support construct design, protein production, and biochemical characterization to help advance novel drug discovery programmes.
Responsibilities:
1. Manage and coordinate recombinant protein expression and purification at CROs and/or in-house, ensuring protein quality and suitability for downstream assays.
2. Developing innovative approaches to overcome complex protein production and purification challenges.
3. Driving continuous improvement in protein delivery methodologies.
4. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support and deliver to key project objectives.
5. Acting as a technical lead to establish science work plans with relevant outsourcing partners.
6. Supporting the gap analysis and leading the initiative to identify new outsourcing partners to optimise delivery timelines and efficiencies.
7. Work with CROs to ensure candidates meet therapeutic development criteria.
Your Background:
Essential:
8. A minimum of a BSc Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related discipline
9. Hands-on experience with protein purification techniques (Protein A, affinity chromatography, SEC)
10. Experience working with matrices such as cell lysates and human serum
11. Understanding of analytical techniques (SEC, SDS-PAGE, charge-based assays, mass spectrometry) applied to therapeutic proteins
12. Understanding of SPR techniques applied to therapeutic antibodies
13. Awareness of therapeutic antibody development considerations
Desirable:
14. Experience coordinating protein expression and purification in CRO or in-house settings
15. Experience with biochemical assays such as SPR and ELISA
16. Familiarity with antibody optimization approaches
17. Ability to run SPR experiments on therapeutic antibodies