Senior Scientist - Antibody Discovery

About RxBiologics
The RxCelerate group of companies provides a platform for out-sourced drug discovery and development services and has a client base ranging from virtual biotech companies to some of the top 15 global pharmaceutical companies. We design and deliver complete drug development programmes from inception through to and including Phase II clinical studies. RxBiologics is a subsidiary of RxCelerate with a focus on delivery of biologics drug discovery. Our aim is to become the antibody drug developer of choice for the UK’s venture backed biotech start-ups and outsourced pharma projects.

RxBiologics has an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated scientist to join our team and help deliver services and capabilities to support our growing client base. The position is based within the RxBiologics team, working at the Babraham Research Campus, a leading site within the Cambridge biotechnology hub.

The Role
The successful candidate will have a strong interest in biologics drug discovery. They will have an outstanding working knowledge of molecular biology techniques and antibody display approaches used in antibody projects. They will support the delivery of client and internal programmes by performing phage display selections, sequence analysis and characterisation of antibodies. In addition, they will scientifically lead client projects ensuring delivery of high-quality data within expected scope and timelines. This is a full-time, lab-based role and it is expected that the successful candidate will perform work independently to a high standard. They will have a proactive approach, be an exceptional team-worker and motivated to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities.

Main Responsibilities
• Lead phage display campaigns to isolate and optimise antibodies.
• Perform molecular biology to facilitate gene cloning and antibody library construction.
• Analysis of DNA and antibody sequences to enable lead selection and decision making.
• Development and running of plate-based immunoassays including ELISAs and TR-FRET assays for screening.
• Profiling of antibody lead panels for affinity, epitope, functional activity and biophysical properties.
• Scientific leadership of client projects.
• Provision of cross-functional support for delivery of drug discovery campaigns.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Maintenance of experimental records and delivery of high-quality reports.

Skills/Requirements
• PhD or equivalent experience within a relevant technical area and extensive biologics discovery knowledge ideally gained from working within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
• Experience in the design and execution of phage display campaigns for lead isolation and affinity maturation of antibodies to target proteins.
• Proven molecular biology skills; working independently to perform PCR, cloning and library construction, DNA sequence analysis and QC.
• In depth knowledge of antibody sequence analysis.
• Practical experience of running 96 and 384 well plate based assays to identify antibody leads
• e.g., ELISA, homogeneous assays.
• Understanding and experience of performing assays used for the profiling of lead antibody panels such as SPR, BLI, biophysical characterisation.
• Experience of cell culture and running functional profiling assays is an advantage.
• Ability to independently interpret data, troubleshoot and set up new workflows.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise multiple tasks and proven track record of delivering projects to timely completion.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proactive approach to resolving technical challenges.
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrates our Company values of Agile and Collaborative, Courage and Innovation, Excellence, Vibrant and Compassionate.

RxBiologics offers a competitive salary with an annual bonus scheme and company benefit package.

When applying for this role, please include a cover letter outlining how you meet the competencies described above. Informal enquiries can be directed to this email address .