Research Scientist: Vector Development

An exciting opportunity is available for an R&D Scientist with expertise in Vector Development to join a growing start-up. With state-of-the-art facilities and a robust pipeline of upcoming projects, this role offers the chance to contribute to innovative research and development.

Responsibilities:

The purpose of this role is to develop mammalian plasmid constructs for optimal expression of antibody therapeutics to be used in mammalian bioprocesses. As a Scientist, you will be part of an innovative multidisciplinary team that will develop the next generation of mammalian expression systems & cells lines to enable highly productive pharmaceutical bioprocesses and, ultimately, more cost-effective Immunotherapeutics.

1. Design and screen mammalian gene expression plasmids for high and stable expression of therapeutic antibodies including bi-/tri-specific antibodies.
2. Design and optimise CRISPR knock-out and ORF libraries to be used in high throughput functional genomics pipelines.
3. Design, plan, and execute complex R&D experiments ensuring that deliverables are successfully met within timelines.
4. Document research findings clearly in a lab book.
5. Communicate regularly in group meetings and prepare and deliver presentations to project team and internal stakeholders.
6. Along with team members, provide routine laboratory maintenance, including participating in equipment upkeep, cleaning rotas and laboratory consumables stock management.
7. Shared responsibility for out-of-hours cell culture maintenance.
8. Ensure that laboratory health, safety and quality procedures are followed.
9. Select, follow, and adapt experimental protocols and generate laboratory SOPs.
10. Support the preparation of laboratory risk assessments and maintenance of health and safety protocols.
11. Maintain the confidentiality of the project and protocols.
12. Keep abreast of current technologies and relevant scientific literature to help identify opportunities for improvements and reduction of costs.

Experience Required

Essential Experience:

1. BSc/MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field.
2. BSc/MSc with 3+ years of industry experience or PhD with 1-2 years’ experience.
3. Extensive experience of designing, preparing and screening mammalian gene expression plasmids within the context of mammalian cell line development.
4. Experience of designing CRISPR knock-out and ORF libraries for high-throughput functional genomics screens.
5. Experience of working safely with 3rd generation lentiviral plasmid systems within a CAT2.0 environment.
6. Experience of designing mammalian gene expression constructs for Immunotherapeutics molecules, e.g., antibodies.
7. Experience of working with bioprocess relevant cell lines, e.g., CHO or HEK293.
8. Familiarity with mammalian cell line development including generation of GM/GE cell lines, single cell cloning and clonal screening.
9. Experience of mammalian cell culture and related techniques including passaging, banking, transfection, nucleofection & genotyping.
10. Skilled in molecular biology techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western Blot, ELISA, plasmid preparation, plasmid cloning, site-directed mutagenesis & FACS.
11. Experience of working with SnapGene or related software.
12. Skilled in experimental design and troubleshooting.
13. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
14. Good numeracy, computer and communication skills.
15. Experience of writing SOPs and risk assessments.

Desirable Experience:

1. Application of Design of Experiments (DOE) to rationalise experiment design.
2. Familiarity with working with large datasets including transcriptomic / proteomic datasets.
3. Experience with automation and high-throughput technologies applied to mammalian cell line generation, e.g., Beacon, 96 deep well plate model systems & Ambr15.

Salary: £40k - £55k + Benefits

Job Info

Job Title: Research Scientist: Vector Development

Company: CV-Library

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

Posted: [Date]

Closes: [Date]

Sector: Medical, Pharmaceutical & Scientific

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time