Senior Scientist ; Membrane Protein Biochemist

Senior Scientist I (Membrane Protein Biochemist)

Evotec

Macclesfield, United Kingdom

Design and execution of agreed work plans for the production and characterization of membrane proteins;

Responsible for supporting multiple projects and may be asked to direct internal resources to achieve agreed goals;

Will be expected to provide oversight of results to ensure quality to project specifications;

Accountable, together with project counterparts, for the design of experiments, review of documentation, and client presentations. Will conduct thorough data analysis ahead of product release to internal or external customers;

Proposes experimental designs and novel approaches to identify/advance best strategies in addition to planning/executing project deliverables;

Responsible for the implementation of standalone scientific services and deliverables to customers;

Where responsible for reports, will lead colleagues to co-develop plans for personal growth, aligned to business needs;

Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences;

Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.

Comprehensive knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics with a proven ability to design and deliver results within agreed timelines and budget, meeting agreed quality criteria;

Experience in the design of membrane protein constructs to optimise functional expression in eukaryotic expression systems;

Extensive hands-on experience with insect and mammalian cell expression systems and multi-step chromatography purification. Proficiency with FPLC/HPLC purification systems. Analytical UHPLC experience is a plus;

Expert in the optimisation of protein expression and purification workflows to obtain pure and stable membrane protein samples;

Demonstrated success working with challenging membrane protein targets e.g. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, solute carriers, and integral membrane enzymes. A good understanding of different modalities (e.g. agonist/ antagonist for GPCRs, blockers/ activators for ion channels) across multiple therapeutic areas would be desirable;

Experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified membrane proteins using a range of techniques such as fluorescence size-exclusion chromatography (fSEC), DLS, nanoDSF, mass spectrometry, SPR, GCI, and microcalorimetry;

Extensive knowledge of what constitutes a good membrane protein sample for structural (X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM) and biophysical studies (SPR/GCI, HDX-MS);

Experience in the solubilization and stabilization of membrane proteins into co-polymers (e.g. Amphipols, Cubipols);

Experience in developing protein binders (Fabs, VHHs, synthetic binders) for complex targets would be advantageous;

Experience in high-throughput methodologies with associated data capture and handling;

Experience with using in silico-based tools for sequence and structural analysis is desired (e.g. PyMOL, Alpha Fold);

Experience in preparing and executing work plans and building trusted partnerships with internal and external customers;

Requires a track record of leading scientists across specialist fields;

A track record of facilitating employee growth through co-development of personal development plans would be appreciated;

Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing stakeholders and colleagues;

Experience of scientific development and research work, ideally with publications on membrane proteins;

Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology or similar, with proven experience in membrane protein expression and purification with relevant experience within industry. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several years of additional experience in drug discovery. Candidates with strong academic background and an excellent publication record are also encouraged to apply.