Description

Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II - Discovery Engineering

12 month Fixed Term Contract

Pampisford , Cambridge

Competitive Salary plus super benefits

About Maxion  

Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.  

The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody® technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.  

Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO, and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter.  Maxion’s portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge, UK and is backed by international blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit: 
https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/

About the role 

We are
seeking a talented and highly motivated Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II
to join Maxion’s Discovery Engineering team. The successful candidate will help lead Maxion’s growing pipeline of KnotBody® drug discovery projects, working across all aspects of biologics discovery, from early hit identification, through to screening and optimisation.

The role will comprise both laboratory and desk-based scientific work, with the opportunity for line management responsibility, depending upon experience. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in protein engineering combined with a flexible attitude and strong willingness to learn new skills.

We are committed to a culture of collaboration, so all staff are strong team players with excellent communication skills. Applicants will be comfortable with our nimble, start-up culture and fast-paced, dynamic working environment.

Key responsibilities  

• Carry out experimental work
  to identify
  KnotBody® molecules targeting challenging membrane proteins using in vitro display and rational design approaches

• Use expertise of protein engineering to pragmatically influence the scientific strategy and direction of projects, in line with project timelines

• Line management of more junior scientists, depending upon experience

• Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team
  members and senior leadership
  
  

• Solve problems on a day-to-day
  basis
  
  

• Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time following Company
  procedures
  
  

Candidate profile

Essential skills and experience

• Qualified to either BSc/MSc level with extensive relevant experience or PhD level with relevant experience
  
  

• Evidenced expertise in protein engineering using in vitro display approaches

• Working knowledge of another relevant discipline, for example cell-based assays, antibody expression and purification or flow cytometry

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Ability to actively contribute to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared amongst the teams

• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals with a can-do attitude

Desirable skills and experience

• Some line management experience would be advantageous

• Previous experience preparing reports and presentations for senior leadership

What we offer you 

• A competitive salary based on experience  

• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, free on-site parking and more 

• Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community 

• Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field 

• A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering a collaborative working environment within a friendly team 
• Please note that this role is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, although there is a possibility of extension and also offers great opportunities to grow and develop your skills and experience within the company.

Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies.  We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.