SENIOR SCIENTIST II / PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST – NEUROSCIENCE

Maxion Therapeutics Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

SENIOR SCIENTIST II / PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST – NEUROSCIENCE
Unity Campus, Pampisford, Cambridge

About Maxion

Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.

The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.

Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter. Maxion’s portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge, UK and is backed by international blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit: https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Principal Scientist to provide a key role in the implementation of our in-house manual patch clamp capability to support in-depth characterisation of our molecules in phenotypic assays using primary cells (e.g. neuronal iPSC cells or DRGs). Reporting to the Director of Discovery Biology, the successful candidate will be responsible for experimental design, generation and analysis of data and communication of results. The applicant should be keen to help us understand and probe the biology behind our targets, along with the modulation of such targets by our proprietary KnotBody molecules. The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced neuroscientist with extensive background in electrophysiology and phenotypic screening.

Key responsibilities

• Implement a manual patch clamp system to establish primary cell neuronal electrophysiology capabilities in-house
• Experimental design, data generation and analysis of patch clamp experiments on neuronal iPSc/primary cells to explore target biology and pharmacological modulation by KnotBodies
• Provide neuroscience biology expertise to support project leaders and LT in key decisions relating to neuroscience/electrophysiology through presenting data and extensive scientific input
• Mentor junior colleagues to strengthen Maxion’s neuroscience expertise and electrophysiology capabilities

Candidate Profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in neuroscience (ideally in pain) research including hands-on ion channel experience

Essential Skills Include:

Proven extensive experience in the following:

• Primary neuronal cell isolation and cell culture
• Patch-clamp on primary neuronal cells
• Extensive neuroscience knowledge, ideally in a drug discovery environment
• Attention to detail, commitment to quality and rigorous scientific thinking
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships
• Actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams.
• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can-do attitude.

Desirable Skills Include:

• Experience in MEA/impedance-based platforms for assessment in neuronal/cardiovascular research is desirable.

What can we offer you?

• A competitive salary based on experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, participation in the company Share Option Scheme, on-site parking and more.
• Significant opportunities for career progression within a dynamic company.
• Located in a state-of-the-art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
• Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
• A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.

To apply for this position, just click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations. Due to data safety, please do not email or apply via direct messaging.

This is a permanent position.

Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months. Please do not approach our hiring managers or Talent team.