Role: Scientist – Protein expression and purification

Keywords: recombinant proteins, molecular biology, protein expression, protein purification, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, immunology.

Team:R&D, Translational Research Team, Protein production and purification.

Start date:Immediate

Period:Full time, permanent

Location:London Bioscience Innovation Centre in King’s Cross, London (On-site)

Closing Date for Applications:11:00 on 12/12/2024

About us

Baseimmune is a discovery stage biotechnology start-up focused on revolutionising vaccines through advanced computational antigen design. Founded by the team that pioneered computational vaccines at the Jenner Institute University of Oxford, our mission is to harness the fields of data science, machine learning and computational biology within a multi-disciplinary team to redefine cross-protective and mutation-proof vaccines.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled protein expression and purification scientist to join the growing lab team at Baseimmune and be a core member of the Translational Research Team as part of the Protein research unit. This is a lab-based role that requires a combination of scientific and technical expertise in the fields of protein expression, purification and characterisation focusing on their application to antigen validation and vaccine development. The role offers the opportunity to work across different teams in an innovative and fast-paced research environment, in a growing biotechnology company, where your contributions will directly impact and shape the development of groundbreaking vaccines.

In this role, you will provide and apply your expertise and knowledge to, a) the design, validation, optimisation and execution of protein expression and purification pipelines employing several expression systems, b) assist in the development of bespoke functional and characterisation assays to evaluate vaccine candidates, and c) generate protein-based resources to facilitate the activities of other workflows within the team. You will actively participate in the execution of translational research and vaccine development programmes, contribute to strategy and design of the pipeline, and mentor technical staff. The ideal candidate should have a strong knowledge and technical experience in protein expression and purification, as well as molecular and cell biology, and should be confident in a range of applied molecular biology and biochemistry assays, including molecular cloning, plasmid design, cell culture and serological/antibody-based assays (ELISA, HTRF, etc).

This role is ideal for individuals seeking growth and advancement in the field of protein design applied to vaccine development, while contributing to the ambitious objectives of a dynamic company like Baseimmune.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the development of robust protein expression and purification platforms to screen and characterise vaccine candidates and generate protein reagents needed across the research team.
• Participate in the development, validation and roll-out of a monoclonal antibody production platform for antigen validation, vaccine efficacy and assay development purposes.
• Assist and participate in the execution and optimisation of serological and protein characterisation assays.
• To conceptualise, design, develop and execute innovative functional assays adapted to a variety of targets as part of our preclinical evaluation pipeline.
• Cell culture (propagation, isolation, banking and characterisation) of cell lines, and assist other team members in their cell culture-related needs.
• To obtain a Home Office Personal Licence (PIL A-C) to work with rodents (supported by the company), gain hands-on experience with animal models and actively participate in the designing and overseeing of in vivo experiments
• Collaborating effectively with other functions within the Translational Research team to support and assist their research activities as needed (according to your experience and/or following adequate training and supervision), including supporting the training and mentoring of junior research staff.
• Demonstrating and maintaining knowledge in own area of expertise using literature and database data and apply it to critical analysis of new targets and the successful execution of experiments.
• Maintain detailed records and analysis of experimental procedures, observations, and results in compliance with data integrity procedures and contribute to the preparation of study reports and presentations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Contribute to good laboratory principles, health and safety practices in the lab, including routine cleaning, maintenance, housekeeping responsibilities, as well as writing and reviewing of risk assessments and SOPs as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or other related discipline with applicable experience in protein expression, purification and characterisation; OR Master's Degree in a relevant subject plus a minimum 4 year of relevant research experience in an academic or biotech/pharma setting.

Technical Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience in expressing complex recombinant proteins mammalian and/or bacterial and/or insect and/or yeast systems (extensive and proven knowledge in at least one of these is required, proven experience across systems is highly desirable particularly on mammalian and bacterial cell systems).
• Experience with different protein purification protocols with proven experience establishing and validating methods using AKTA chromatography systems (affinity, ion exchange, SEC, etc) isrequired.
• Experience in protein characterisation techniques including A280, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, etc.
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques including molecular cloning, plasmid design, DNA amplification in bacteria, cell transfection, bacterial transformation, cell maintenance, recombinant protein harvesting and characterisation, etc.
• Experience working in cell culture environments using aseptic techniques.

Leadership and Soft Skills

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team but also able to execute tasks independently when needed.
• Able to ensure reproducible and transferable work through appropriate procedures and documentation.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence and judgement to challenge appropriately.
• Able to proactive apply knowledge, problem-solving skills and creative thinking in driving the project forwards.
• A can-do attitude and excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Home Office Personal Licence, PIL A-C with rodents and hands-on experience with animal models and/or designing and overseeing in vivo experiments.
• Bioanalytical and purification experience with large complex molecules (e.g. VLPs, nanoparticles, bacteriophages, etc).
• Experience with production, purification, engineering and characterisation of monoclonal antibodies and associated modalities (Fabs, scFv, VHH, bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, etc).
• Experience in screening for optimal protein expression and purification conditions.
• Experience in design, generation and validation of phage display technologies.
• Understanding of protein refolding.
• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics or vaccines.
• Experience in the field of infectious diseases and microbiology, particularly in developing, validating and optimising neutralisation assays.

What we Offer

• Competitive starting salary
• Central London location for lab and office
• Private medical health and dental insurance
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development
• 26 days holiday leave + bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Pension plan

Please note that Baseimmune does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and regret that we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship currently.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace.