Mass Spectrometry Scientist

CK Group- Science, Clinical and Technical; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

CK Group are working in partnership with Nxera Pharma to recruit a Mass Spectrometry Scientist to join their Protein Sciences team.

This role is ideal for an early-career scientist, passionate about LC-MS-based hit identification (hitID), and quantitative mass spectrometry (qMS). It offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics or similar, or candidates with an MSc in the same disciplines, plus at least 3 years experience.

Location:

Granta Park, Cambridge.

About the company:

Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs globally. Their pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across CNS, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of their unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery “NxWave” platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates.

In Cambridge UK, Nxera have built outstanding capabilities across their platform, discovery and translational medicine teams, to advance multiple programs from pre-clinical through to early clinical development.

About the role:

As part of the Biophysics group, you will focus on LC-MS workflows for hit identification and quantitative MS-based assays. You will gain hands-on experience in method development and optimization for the precise characterization and quantification of small molecules, peptides and proteins playing a key role in advancing drug discovery efforts.

In addition, you will contribute to instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring the efficient operation of LC-MS systems. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and have opportunities to learn additional biophysical and biochemical techniques to broaden your expertise.

Responsibilities will include:

1. Perform LC-MS-based hit identification and quantitative MS (qMS) assays, including sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis.
2. Assist in method development and optimization of qMS workflows for the quantification of peptides and small molecules.
3. Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS systems to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
4. Collaborate with scientists across different teams to design experiments, analyse data, and present findings.

Skills and Experience:

1. PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field, or an MSc in the same disciplines with a minimum of three years of post-graduate laboratory experience.
2. Practical experience with LC-MS techniques, including sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis.
3. Proficient in HPLC operation with hands-on experience in troubleshooting and maintenance.
4. Considerable knowledge of quantitative MS approaches, such as SRM (Selected Reaction Monitoring) or PRM (Parallel Reaction Monitoring).
5. Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
6. A proactive and collaborative mindset, with strong teamwork and communication skills.
7. Ability to organize and manage workloads effectively to meet project deadlines.

Desirable:

1. Experience with hit identification workflows.
2. Hands-on experience with HRMS and MS3 method development and validation.
3. Understanding of protein characterization techniques and membrane protein handling.
4. Experience with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Waters MS software packages.

What's in it for you?

1. State-of-the-art R&D centre located in the heart of the Cambridge science cluster.
2. Competitive compensation package including discretionary cash bonuses.
3. Eligible for grants of Restricted Stock Units.
4. 26 days annual leave in addition to public holidays.
5. Employer contribution to pension.
6. Private Medical Insurance for employees and family and a cash plan for dental and optical reimbursement.
7. Health and wellbeing benefits including a subsidised individual gym membership.
8. Income protection to cover long term absences due to ill health.
9. Group Death in Service equal to 4x basic annual salary.

Apply:

Please quote job reference (Apply online only) in all correspondence.