Scientist, Biology

Neo Phore is seeking applications for a highly self-motivated, rigorous, and dedicated Scientist to join its biology team based in South London.

Neo Phore is a biotech company targeting the dynamics of cancer neoantigen evolution to discover effective, well-tolerated medicines that will provide the next generation of cancer immunotherapies. Neo Phore collaborates closely with many academic and commercial organisations, including Neo Phore’s scientific founders Professor Alberto Bardelli and Dr Giovanni Germano at the University of Turin and Milan.

Neo Phore currently has 10 full time employees and operates a mainly virtual drug discovery model. We have a Cancer Cell Biology (CCB) laboratory based at City St George’s University, in South London led by Neo Phore’s Principal Scientist, Biology. As the work undertaken at the CCB lab has continued to progress and develop at pace, an opportunity has arisen for a talented and innovative laboratory-based Scientist, Biology to join our team.

Neo Phore is seeking an experienced, independent, highly motivated, rigorous, and resilient cancer cell biologist, with a strong desire to contribute to the progression of the understanding of a novel drug discovery field, through outstanding technical expertise. Evidence for a flexible and cooperative approach to working in a dynamic, collaborative and multi-disciplinary team environment, together with strong team ethic, are essential.

Important aspects of this role are the ability to work and to communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds. The ideal candidate will possess a strong desire to work in a fast-moving small molecule-focused translational research environment, and needs to be highly self-motivated and organised. The position is based in Neo Phore’s CCB laboratory in London (UK).

We believe that Neo Phore offers the successful candidate an opportunity to develop their skills and depth of expertise in drug discovery, in the vibrant field of immuno-oncology.

• Characterisation of Neophore’s key compounds, including mechanism-of-action studies
• Supporting Neo Phore’s preclinical studies in collaboration with partner CROs
• Biomarker discovery and validation
• Selecting appropriate cellular models
• Assess and summarise literature findings to identify technical solutions and support project progression
• Work collaboratively within a matrix environment
• Analyse and interpret experimental results using data analysis software tools
• Communicate and present scientific data in a timely fashion to contribute maximum impact to project strategy and decision-making
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic lab book to the highest standards
  The data produced is expected to make a significant impact to Neo Phore’s understanding of the MMR pathway and the discovery of small molecule therapeutics.

• Over 5 years’ experience in cancer cell biology and/or working in a CRO/Biotech developing cell-based assays and screening/characterizing compounds in cell-based assays
• Experience in bioscience research in the biotech or pharmaceutical drug discovery sectors
• Previous experience of running cell-based assays and/or characterizing compounds within a drug discovery setting
• Successful exemplification of high-quality scientific achievement
• Good knowledge of small molecule translational research
• Previous involvement in biomarker discovery and implementation
• Knowledge of DDR and/or cell cycle cancer biology (preferable)

• PhD in biological sciences – ideally, cancer cell biology

• Well-trained, experienced, independent and expert in Cell Biology and Biochemistry - comprehensive experience using mammalian cell culture
• High level of proficiency in lab-based cell biology activities
• Good understanding of (cell-based) screening methodologies and practical experience thereof
• Good understanding of drug discovery assay cascades and the meticulous requirements for successful cell-based assay development & optimization
• Ability to design, execute,…