Collaborative concepting. Shared expertise. Leading-edge learnings.

Senior Scientist (Phage Display and Antibody Discovery)

Salary: From GBP42,000 - GBP48,000 per annum depending on experience

Reports to: Group Leader, Antibody Discovery

Department: Research and Innovation

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week (flexible working requests considered)

Location: Cori Building, Granta Park, Cambridge

Closing date: Sunday 14th January 2024 at 23.59. This vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found, so please do not delay submitting your application to avoid any disappointment.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That's why we're looking for someone talented, someone determined, someone like you.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within our Drug Discovery team for an experienced Senior Scientist to expand and enhance our capabilities in therapeutic antibody discovery.

A key element of the post will be to enable projects using in vitro phage display platforms as part a multi-disciplinary team. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced researcher in the field of antibody drug discovery with excellent technical knowledge of in vitro antibody discovery, molecular biology as well as in vitro or in vivo assay development and implementation skills. You will work within a large multi-disciplinary team that includes antibody screening, production, and validation.

The post holder will have significant scope to influence and develop approaches to antibody discovery within Cancer Research Horizons and can expect to play significant roles in multi-disciplinary projects teams, as well the ability to access a range of learning and development opportunities.

About CRUK Drug Discovery

As the world's biggest medical research charity, we've helped bring eleven new cancer drugs to market. However, there is still an urgent need to bring more effective treatments to patients faster.

We have recently developed a new approach to driving therapeutic innovation through the creation of Cancer Research Horizons (CRH). We have brought together Cancer Research UK's established drug discovery teams under one organisation and leadership team, combining our unique pipeline of world class biology, cutting edge technology platforms and clinical expertise to 1) bring new treatments to patients faster and 2) tackle the biggest challenges in discovering cancer drugs by seeking out more radical ideas and embracing risk in our bid to achieve success.

What will I be doing?

The design and implementation of phage display campaigns against oncology targets. Responsible for antibody lead isolation and maturation strategies for individual projects within the laboratory. Critically evaluating strategies and technologies best suited to discovery therapeutic antibodies for a range of oncology targets. Support the production of scFv antibody fragment reagents and the screening of these reagents in primary assays. Successfully deliver antibody projects against oncology targets. Maintain and operate state of the art laboratory equipment. Drive innovation and a forward-thinking approach to projects to enable the team to meet challenges. Accountable for managing and ensuring quality on projects. What skills will I need?

Solid experience of phage display protocol on drug discovery programs. Cell selection experience desirable. Knowledge of Next Gen Sequencing application to antibody drug discovery and associated data analysis methods is highly desirable. Use of current molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, library construction) to construct expression vectors for downstream screening of antibodies and antibody fragments. Knowledge of the production and purification of scFv fragments and IgGs for screening in biochemical and cell-based assays. Experience of biochemical homogeneous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay development is desirable. Proven ability in delivering antibodies with the appropriate target profile for drug discovery programs. Proactive, with a 'can do' attitude; with a demonstrated ability to prioritise own work effectively, multi-task and adapt flexibly to changing priorities Willing and able to constructively challenge the approach being taken / decisions of colleagues and leaders where appropriate, in order to ensure quality in projects. Strength in collaborative working and proven ability to interact and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including those in academia. Proven ability to clearly communicate scientific objectives and project results. Some experience of developing and implementing strategic project plans. Experience of making some decisions in complex scenarios. Experience of people management is preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead a scientific project team and successfully deliver objectives is desirable. What will I gain?

Every one of our employees contributes to our progress and is supporting our work to beat cancer. We think that's impressive.

In return, we make sure you are supported by a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools, policies, and processes to enable you to do your job well.

Our benefits package includes a substantial retirement plan, a generous and flexible leave allowance, discounts on anything from travel to technology, gym membership, and much more.

We don't forget people have lives outside of work too and so we actively encourage a flexible working culture.

Our work - from funding cutting-edge research to developing public policy - will change the world. It's exciting to be part of our team.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.