Senior Scientist/Lead Scientist - Binder Discovery Group

Vacancy for Senior Scientist/Lead Scientist - Binder Discovery Group
Location:
London - White City
Job SummaryRole Summary We are looking for a motivated Research Scientist/ Senior scientist to join a multidisciplinary group of researchers within the Binder Discovery Group. This role will focus on development of exciting new platform technologies for the next generation of CAR T cell-based therapies. Successful candidates will need creativity, curiosity and a strong scientific rationale to develop and assess novel antibodies and cell targeting entities as well as strategies for tumour microenvironment (TME) and cell engineering through synthetic biology techniques. We anticipate this role rapidly expanding to supervise junior members of the team. This work will be performed with close collaboration of the wider Autolus R&D teams and successful applicants will work within a wider context of translational and cell manufacturing divisions. Rapid translation to clinical testing is a key motivation of the company. This is a unique opportunity to work in a ground breaking, rapidly moving and truly multi-disciplinary field. Key Responsibilities • Antibody discovery through immunised, semi-synthetic and naïve phage display libraries against mostly oncology targets. • Protein engineering including affinity maturation, humanisation and stability engineering as well as subsequent CAR generation. • Characterisation of antibody and CAR T cell performance including;o Protein analysis techniques; ELISA, Biacore SPR, SEC, chromatography, DSF etc.o Cell analysis techniques; Cell culture, flow cytometry, Incucyte, cytokine release assays, cytotoxicity assays. • Oversight, support, and eventually, line management of junior team members.• Comfortable working with and alongside CRO’s with elements of project management.• Clear and concise documentation of laboratory findings in electronic lab notebook.• Plan and execute experiments with conflicting timelines.• Interpret complex data sets using statistics packages and present conclusions concisely including in presentations to R&D teams and VP/CSO. • Any other duties as required following consultation with the post holder.Demonstrated skills and competencies Experience - Prior evidence of substantial laboratory-based experience is a prerequisite. • Knowledge and experience of working with display systems for antibody discovery, including but not limited to phage display (E), as well as yeast and mammalian display (P). • Deep understanding of antibody and CAR structures, and the current state of the art for CAR T cell therapy. (E)• In silico protein analysis techniques and able to develop logical routes to novel antigen selections. (P) • Experience in mammalian cell culture, transfection and viral manufacture and transduction. (P)• Single cell analysis techniques including 10x genomics, 5’ RACE PCR etc. (P)• Performance and analysis of large NGS data sets for antibody discovery. (E)• Highly proficient using standard molecular and synthetic biology techniques as well as protein production, purification and analysis methods. (E)• Skilled in histological/immunohistochemical characterisation (P)• Prior evidence of training and/or mentoring junior researchers would be advantageous. (P). The desire to supervise and coach junior researchers is essential. QualificationsPhD/ MSc or equivalent in Biology/Biochemistry or related discipline + 3 years lab experience. Applicants with substantial (6-8+ years) industrial experience but not advanced degrees are also welcome to apply. (E)Skills/Specialist knowledge• Familiarity with B cell and T cell biology and immunology (E). • Understanding of oncology, therapeutic modalities and the advantages/ difficulties facing the field. (E)• Understanding of CAR T cell therapy and antibody-based therapeutics. (E)• Strong skills in molecular cloning including construct and library design, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA assembly and E. coli transformation. (E)• Familiarity with DNA analysis software such as Snapgene. (E)• Familiarity with protein production and purification, and assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and protein-protein interaction analysis (BIAcore). (E)• Strong verbal and written communication skills. (E)• High attention to detail (E)• Be a self-starter, able to work without close supervision and willing to learn new skills. (E)• Commitment to high quality work (E)• Ability for creative and critical thinking. (E)• A home office animal license would be advantageous. (P)
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