Associate​/Research Scientist - Protein Sciences

ASSOCIATE/RESEARCH SCIENTIST - PROTEIN SCIENCES

About Maxion

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‑founding Cambridge Antibody Technology.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Associate/Research Scientist to join our team. Reporting to Senior Scientist – Protein Sciences, the successful candidate will have experience with production and validation of membrane proteins (Ion channels and GPCRs), helping the company to achieve its challenging goals. The role will also work closely with the Associate Director of Protein Sciences. Candidates should be comfortable with our agile, start‑up culture and fast‑paced, dynamic working environment.

• To design and generate DNA constructs using a variety of cloning strategies.
• To express challenging membrane proteins (including GPCRs and ion channels) using insect and mammalian expression systems.
• Purify expressed proteins using various formats (e.g. detergents, nanodiscs, peptidisc, SMALPs, proteoliposomes) and a range of chromatography techniques with FPLC systems.
• Characterize and perform quality control of purified proteins using biochemical and biophysical methods (e.g. SDS‑PAGE, BN‑PAGE, Western blot, HPLC‑SEC, ELISA).
• Support the Protein Sciences team in antibody and Knot Body purification and characterization and contribute to day‑to‑day lab operations (e.g. maintenance of chromatography instruments, preparation of SOPs and risk assessments).
• Analyse, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental data, both verbally and in written reports.
• Proactively troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all work in laboratory notebooks, in accordance with company procedures.

The ideal candidate will hold a BSc in Life Sciences (e.g., Cell Biology, Immunology) and have relevant industry experience, however candidates without this will still be considered. A PhD in a related field would be advantageous but is not a requirement.

• Experience in insect cell culture and baculovirus expression systems (e.g., linear DNA, bacmid), including maintenance of cells, virus amplification and quantification (plaque assay, qPCR).
• Experience in molecular biology techniques for
  construct design and generation. (Such as Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly, Traditional restriction Digestion and Ligation) Bacmid Generation is highly advantageous, virus quantification through plaque assays and qPCRs.
• Experience in membrane protein purification and characterization.
• Experience with chromatography techniques and systems (e.g. size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography, or ion exchange).
• Strong attention to detail, rigorous scientific thinking, and a commitment to…