Domainex – Biology Department
Domainex is a multi‑award‑winning integrated drug discovery CRO that has been setting the highest standards in small‑ and large‑molecule research since 2001. We partner with academic groups, biotechs, pharma companies and patient foundations worldwide to deliver high‑quality science that accelerates innovative therapies to patients.
Our Biology Department has industry‑leading capabilities in recombinant protein production, structural biology (X‑ray crystallography and cryo‑EM), biophysics, enzymology, pharmacology and in vitro ADME. Working within our multidisciplinary team, you will contribute directly to early‑stage drug discovery campaigns from hit identification through to candidate selection.
The Role
This is a lab‑based position within our Protein Science team. You will primarily focus on recombinant protein expression and purification, generating high‑quality proteins for structural and biophysical studies, and contributing to the successful progression of client projects. You will work as part of a collaborative, fast‑moving team, interpreting data, solving technical challenges, and presenting results to internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
· Plan and execute protein expression and purification workflows across bacterial, insect or mammalian systems
· Develop, troubleshoot and optimise protein production strategies
· Perform affinity, ion‑exchange and size‑exclusion chromatography using AKTA systems
· Produce high‑quality proteins suitable for structural biology and biophysical screening
· Contribute to project meetings and prepare clear oral and written reports
· Maintain good laboratory practice and support routine lab operations
· Take responsibility for personal development and contribute to a positive team culture
About You
Essential
· BSc/MSc with 1–3 years’ industrial experience, or a PhD with practical experience in protein production
· Hands‑on experience of protein expression at litre scale in at least one major system (bacterial, insect or mammalian)
· Proven experience of protein purification using chromatography (including AKTA)
· Ability to organise work across multiple projects while maintaining high quality
· Strong data interpretation and communication skills
· Proactive, collaborative and comfortable working in a dynamic CRO environment
Desirable (but not required)
· Experience producing membrane proteins (e.g., GPCRs, ion channels, SLCs)
· Structural biology techniques (cryo‑EM or X‑ray crystallography)
· Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or related biophysical methods
· Mammalian transient expression systems
· Recombinant antibody expression
· Previous experience of working within a CRO or drug discovery organisation
What We Offer
· Highly competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
· 5% employee pension contribution with 10% employer contribution
· Private medical insurance
· Group life cover (4× salary)
· 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and a birthday day off
· Employee Assistance Programme, discounted gym membership, lift‑share scheme and long‑service awards
· A supportive, diverse and inclusive workplace with genuine opportunities to develop new skills (e.g., SPR, biophysics, structural biology)
If you’re excited about contributing to cutting‑edge drug discovery science and developing your career within a friendly, innovative CRO, we’d love to hear from you.