SENIOR Scientist – Translational Biology FTC; Maternity Cover

SENIOR SCIENTIST – TRANSLATIONAL BIOLOGY

Unity Campus
- Pampisford
- Cambridge (Office based)

12 month FTC (Maternity Cover)

Maxion has engineered a new class of biologics by harnessing knottins, one of nature’s most potent modulators of ion channels and G protein‑coupled receptors (GPCR). Combining a knottin with an antibody’s advantageous drug properties, we are developing transformative treatments that reach new levels of specificity and durability for patients with ion channel and GPCR‑driven diseases. Initially focused on immunological diseases, heart disorders and chronic pain, our pipeline of proprietary Knot Body® molecules will access targets that have long remained beyond the reach of biologics.

Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward‑thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team boasts a stellar track record. Dr Schottelius has held senior leadership positions, successfully advancing therapeutics from research to late‑stage clinical development and building valuable portfolios of drug candidates and pharma partnerships.

Maxion’s co‑founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co‑founded IONTAS, and together invented Knot Body® technology. Dr McCafferty is also renowned for co‑inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co‑inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co‑founded Cambridge Antibody Technology.

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We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Senior Scientist with deep expertise in human immunology to join our Translational Biology team on a fixed term basis. Reporting to the Director of Translational Biology, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing disease‑relevant in vitro/ex vivo models and delivering data packages to support MOA studies and indication selection. The ideal candidate will play a key role in our drug discovery efforts and contribute to achieving our ambitious goals.

We value individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to our agile and fast‑paced work culture.

• Develop and establish in vitro and ex vivo models of immune‑related diseases using primary material.
• Characterise the pharmacology and MOA of lead Knot Bodies in primary immunology models
• Contribute to wider translational activities including in vivo study design and interpretation.
• Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members.
• Solve problems and troubleshoot on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time, following Company procedures.

• PhD in Immunology, pharmacology or related field. Relevant postdoctoral or industrial experience is essential.
• Previous experience with primary human PBMCs and tissue, and proficiency with assays for antibody/biologic characterisation including cell binding, activation and proliferation.
• Technical expertise in primary cell culture and tissue dissociation, multicolour flow cytometry and cell sorting, ELISA/MSD.
• Actively contributes to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams.
• Has the desire and ability to work in a fast‑paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can‑do attitude.

• A competitive salary based on experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Located in a state‑of‑the‑art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on‑site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
• Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
• A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.

To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, answering the questions including your salary expectations.

This is a 12 month fixed‑term position.

Agencies:
We are recruiting this role directly with our in‑house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.