About the role :
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic scientist specialising in biophysical analysis of proteins by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to join the Protein Sciences group at our research facility on Granta Park, Cambridge, UK.
This is an excellent opportunity for a biophysical scientist to play a role in drug discovery projects at Nxera Pharma. We apply biophysics in small-molecule drug discovery from hit ID to clinical candidate.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Deliver quantitative biophysical analysis on protein-ligand binding (small molecules and other drug modalities) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). This will include affinity and kinetic data to inform chemical design and mechanistic understanding.
- Generate high fidelity and reproducible data and insights into the molecular mechanism of lead compounds and drug candidates.
- Conduct fragment and other compound screens, validate and characterise hits from these screens to inform design.
- Identify and drive improvements and innovations in SPR-related techniques (or similar) to expand the scope of biophysical approaches currently employed at Nxera Pharma.
- Collaborate with various Nxera Pharma scientists on research projects that successfully advance membrane protein targets through the Nxera Pharma structure-based drug design pipeline.
- Prepare and effectively present results (written and oral) to project teams.
Our preferred candidate will have the following profile:
- Masters Degree and/or PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics or a related discipline with proven and demonstrable SPR experience in a drug discovery environment.
- Expertise in challenging and innovative characterisation of molecular interactions and mechanistic insights using SPR.
- Experience in other biochemical and biophysical methods such as nDSF, NMR or quantitative mass spectrometry would be considered an advantage.
- Previous experience with membrane proteins would be desirable.
- Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with collaborators from various disciplines.
Other information
What’s in it for you?
- State-of-the-art R&D centre located in the heart of the Cambridge science cluster
- Competitive compensation package including discretionary cash bonuses
- Eligible for grants of Restricted Stock Units
- 25 days annual leave in addition to public holidays plus the option to purchase an additional 5 days each year
- Employer contribution to pension
- Private Medical Insurance for employees and family and a cash plan for dental and optical reimbursement
- Health and well-being benefits including a subsidised individual gym membership
- Income protection to cover long-term absences due to ill health
- Group Death in Service equal to 4x basic annual salary
About Us
Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new speciality medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs globally.
Nxera employs over 350 talented people at key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565).
In addition to several products being commercialized in Japan, we are advancing an extensive pipeline of over 30 active programs from discovery through to late clinical stage internally and in partnership with leading pharma and biotech companies including Lilly, GSK, AbbVie, Verily, Neurocrine, Takeda, Genentech/Roche, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medicxi, Aditum Bio.
This pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across CNS, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of our unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery “NxWave” platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates.
In Cambridge UK, we have built outstanding capabilities across our platform, discovery and translational medicine teams, to advance multiple programs from pre-clinical through to early clinical development.
In Tokyo, our expert teams are dedicated to late-stage development (Ph 2/3) and innovative commercialization/ go-to-market approaches.
Our Mission
To accelerate the development of life-changing medicines, by investing in science and technology
Our Vision
To lead the next era of medicine. From Japan, for Japan, and the world.
Our Values
- Patients, carers, families, and physicians come first
- Innovation and teamwork inspire success
- Focus on top priorities where we can make a difference
- Speed and agility of decision-making
- Operational excellence
We are passionate about improving the quality of life and health of people around the world and believe we can achieve our mission through providing a supportive, motivational, and empowering environment for employees.
We are proud to offer a collaborative, diverse and inclusive working environment that considers your individual needs and believes in maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.
You will be welcomed by a team of colleagues with decades of accumulated experience in their areas of expertise, happy to help you develop your own skills in a highly collaborative environment and who are keen to provide guidance and support in your personal and career development plans.
For more information, please visit:-www.nxera.life
How to apply?
Applications should include a CV and covering letter, providing a short description of the background of your interest in the role and sent to Sav Bassi at .
