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 optimization 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 programs. Through hands‑on scientific leadership, you will drive multiple projects simultaneously and contribute to advancing both platform capabilities and scientific excellence.
Job Title
Senior Scientist Protein Expression & Automation
Job Type
Permanent
Location
Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG
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:
o DNA preparation and cloning
o Transformation and transfection workflows
o Baculovirus generation and infection
o 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.
* Publish peer‑reviewed science as appropriate, increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.
Knowledge & Experience
* Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression in:
o E. coli systems
o Mammalian systems (e.g. HEK, CHO; transient and/or stable)
o Insect systems (e.g. S2, baculovirus expression in Sf9/Hi5 cells)
* Proven experience optimizing expression of difficult targets.
* Strong hands‑on experience with:
o High-throughput expression workflows
o Automation platforms (liquid handlers, plate‑based systems)
o Molecular biology techniques (cloning, construct design, vector systems)
* Demonstrated ability to design and optimise workflows end‑to‑end.
* Strong problem‑solving skills with the 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 partnership with internal and external customers.
* Track record of leading scientists across specialist fields.
* Track record of facilitating employee growth through co‑development of personal development plans.
* Track record of successful problem‑solving, high‑quality science 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 corresponding experience in a relevant scientific discipline with relevant industry experience. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several years additional experience in drug discovery.
Benefits Package
* Pension on completion of the 3‑month probationary period. Contributions: 5% from employees (salary sacrifice) and 5% from the employer. Employees may increase their contribution, matched up to a maximum of 7.5%.
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length‑of‑service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days.
* Private health insurance with BUPA for the employee and their partner/family under the company scheme.
* Well‑being support 24/7 and counselling services.
* Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period.
* Private dental cover on completion of the 3‑month probationary period.
* Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme (discretionary).
* Career progression within the company, with excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more.
EEO Statement
In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competencies, all applications including people with disabilities.
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