Research Associate (Compound Management)

This is a 15 month contract, with an immediate start. The role will be based at our R&D site in Milton Park, Oxfordshire.

Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

As a key member of the Oxford research site Compound Management team, you will be involved in the day-to-day archiving and handling of compound reagents, ensuring the integrity of the process and delivery of key samples to our scientists in support of rapid medicinal-chemistry cycles and our commitment to drug discovery for patients with serious diseases.

A highly organized, hard-working and diligent individual you will have experience of handling the dissolution, archiving and assay ready plate preparation of small molecule reagents at scale and ideally some experience of managing storage.

Experience of working with barcoded archives, supporting automation, pipette-based and acoustic sample delivery will be helpful but not essential. You will demonstrate a passion for Compound Management and be committed to the enterprise with knowledge of relevant key automation and demonstrable ability to enable process improvement.

While proactive and well planned in your day-to-day activities you will also demonstrate the ability to interact with scientific teams, understand their needs and react to critical priorities. You will need to be highly motivated, committed and possess excellent team working and communication skills. You will either have at least a relevant degree level qualification with relevant experience of Compound Management in an academic, medical or industrial setting.

On-site training will be offered to the successful candidate.

Qualifications, requirements and skills

• Motivated scientist with at least a relevant science degree level qualification plus additional relevant experience in an academic, medical or industrial setting
• Strong background in small molecule Compound Management including sample preparation, archival, retrieval and formatting for biological assay
• Experience of working with sample management technologies (e.g. automated compound stores, 2D barcode archiving, acoustic dispensers, automated platform and liquid handlers)
• Support the team leader to drive vison forward
• Ability to critically analyse, interpret and report data
• Strong communications skills
• Excellent and reliable time management with a drive and commitment to deliver on goals
• Excellent levels of integrity and safety
• Demonstrable team working skills
• Keen interest in drug discovery and pharmaceutical research to transform patients’ lives

Vertex is partnering with Talent Works to manage their international temporary job openings. If you are successful in your application, you will be employed by Talent Works to work on a temporary assignment at Vertex.