About us
Orbit Discovery is a rapidly growing biotech company specialising in peptide drug discovery, built on a novel screening platform developed at the University of Oxford. Orbit Discovery is well funded, with the opportunity to develop highly efficacious peptide-based biological drugs, which are suitable and affordable for large patient groups. Orbit works in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies in co-development projects.
Orbit Discovery offers a comprehensive employment package to its staff, including competitive salary, access to share options and a range of additional employee benefits.
Overview of the Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and self-driven Senior Scientist who is solutions-focused, results-oriented, and diligent, with exceptional interpersonal skills to excel in a fast-paced industrial environment.
Working within the Affinity Screening team, you will play a key role in leading and conducting affinity screens for a range of commercial and internal projects using Orbit Discovery’s unique bead-based peptide display platform to identify peptide hits.
Work will involve using a broad set of techniques such as microfluidics and (emulsion) PCR, qPCR, in vitro transcription and translation, flow cytometry including sorting, next generation sequencing, peptide microarrays and other molecular assays.
Comprehensive training will be provided; however, a strong understanding in molecular biology and proficiency in some of the key techniques, such as flow cytometry, are essential. Experience with other display screening technologies, such as phage display, is desirable.
This position is primarily laboratory-based and demands a proactive mindset, organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and meticulous attention to detail. You will oversee project planning and ensure milestones are met. The candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
You will prepare data for reports and presentations within the company and assist in the drafting and review of laboratory protocols.
Job Responsibilities
* Conduct and perform high-throughput affinity screens with the project team.
* Independently design, perform and analyse experiments.
* Perform PCR, in vitro transcription translation and other assays as required.
* Handling and preparation of beads for analysis with flow cytometry.
* Perform binding and sorting (FACS) experiments.
* Prepare and run samples for next generation sequencing. Analyse and interpret data.
* Execute and optimise a range of assays to confirm target engagement and validate biological activity.
* Analyse, interpret and summarise results for presentation at internal meetings. Prepare project plans and reports.
* Accurately document all research results in an electronic lab notebook.
* Assist in preparing and compiling procedures, guidelines, and reports.
* Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively to meet changing demands of projects.
* Providing guidance, mentorship, feedback to junior team members.
Job Requirements
Essential
* PhD in a biology related discipline with five years of industry experience, or a minimum of an MSc with seven years of experience.
* Extensive expertise in biological sciences, with a strong focus on molecular biology and protein interactions.
* Strong ability to design and execute experiments using molecular biology techniques and analytical methods such as PCR, qPCR and ELISA.
* Expertise and practical experience in key techniques, such as flow cytometry.
* Solid understanding of the direction and design of a given project.
* Strong capability to troubleshoot technical issues.
* Ability to analyse, interpret and clearly present complex datasets, with proficiency in relevant analytical tools.
* Aptitude for quickly learning and applying new technologies.
* Outstanding communication, and interpersonal skills
* Proven project leading skills.
Desirable
* Practical experience in other display technologies or screening platforms.
* Practical experience in FACS.
* Experience with microfluidics systems.
* Practical experience of assay development.
* Experience with next generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
* Experience in project and people management.
Further inquiries about this role can be directed to careers@orbitdiscovery.com.
Applicants should provide a full CV and a covering letter describing their suitability for the position. Details for two referees will be requested from the successful candidate after an offer has been made.
Applications should be sent to careers@orbitdiscovery.com
All data will be treated in line with our privacy policy which can be found on our website at https://orbitdiscovery.com.
Please note that unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.