Senior Scientist ; Membrane Protein Biochemist

Job Title

Senior Scientist I (Membrane Protein Biochemist)

Permanent

Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated scientist to join our membrane protein production team. The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics and have a good understanding of small molecules and/or biologics drug discovery. Through lab-based leadership, you will be responsible for the execution of multiple discovery projects.

• 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, nano
  
  DSF, 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,…