Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Protein Purification Scientist - UCB (UK)

Slough, United Kingdom

Application deadline: 30 Apr 2022

Do you enjoy protein purification, and can you operate an AKTA to run IMAC, IEX and SEC protein purifications without supervision? Do you want an opportunity to learn about antibody and small molecule drug discovery? Then check out this contract position (12 months, starting asap) in the Protein Purification team at UCB (Slough, UK). A full job description can be found below.

If you currently have the right to work in the UK and wish to apply, send your CV and cover letter to: protein.purification@ucb.com

Research Scientist – maternity cover – UCB (Slough, UK)

Everything they do starts with a simple question: “How will this make a difference to the lives of people living with severe diseases?” And to find the answers, they connect globally with patients and their families living with the physical and social burdens of severe disease. These connections give us new perspectives, drive our innovation, and offer a hope for a new generation of therapies that will help to transform lives.

Role overview

The Protein Production Group provides support for all NBE & NCE projects from early stage target validation through to those undergoing pre-clinical evaluation, by generating recombinant protein reagents for immunization, structural studies, assays and compound screening.  All reagents produced undergo biophysical analysis in order to enhance our understanding of their stability and solubility.  You will be part of the Protein Production Group playing a key role in project success by generating high quality protein reagents in a timely manner.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to rapidly impact on a wide range of our NBE & NCE projects, and to significantly contribute to the progression of these projects into the clinic and beyond.

Primary responsibilities

• You will be responsible for expressing and purifying high-quality recombinant protein reagents to support UCB’s novel world-leading antibody and NCE drug discovery platforms for a variety of exciting therapeutic projects.
• You will use your excellent practical skills, communication and team working abilities to drive innovative projects forward from the laboratory.
• You will be responsible for clearly presenting work and engaging in discussion in a variety of cross-functional and external collaborator meetings.

Essential experience

Candidates may be fresh PhD holders with relevant experience, or Bachelor/MSc degree holders currently working as skilled Research Scientists, within the Biopharmaceutical or Pharmaceutical industry.

They are looking for candidates who are fully independent and competent in the following skill sets:

• Molecular Biology (DNA manipulation techniques and use of VNTI and/or other DNA analysis software).
• Protein Expression in E. coli and/or Mammalian cell systems.
• Protein Purification (Affinity, Ion Exchange, Size Exclusion Chromatography, UV-Vis spectroscopy, protein refolding techniques and extensive working knowledge of AKTA purification platforms and associated software)
• Protein Analysis (SDS PAGE, UPLC/HPLC, Western blotting)
• Molecular Visualisation of proteins (PyMOL or similar).
• Experience with X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM would be an advantage
• Ability to work on several projects and conduct experiments in parallel.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office.
• A highly motivated individual with a proven ability to deliver to tight timelines.
• A team player, with good organisational, communication, record keeping and inter-personal skills are essential requirements. 
• Presentations within the group and to project teams will also be expected. 
• Possess an inquisitive and innovative nature and a passion for delivering innovative new medicines for patients suffering with serious disease.

They can offer you the opportunity to rapidly impact on a wide range of our NBE & NCE projects, and to significantly contribute to the progression of these projects into the clinic and beyond.  Informal and open working environment that does not lock scientists into structure and hierarchy.  Freedom to take space to pursue your own ideas and make a difference.  Opportunities and expectations to develop global visibility and an international reputation as a scientist in your field.