Pharmacology Scientists (Scientist I / Scientist II DOE)

OMass Therapeutics is an early-stage drug discovery company, applying its unique OdyssION™ technology platform, which comprises novel biochemistry techniques, next-generation native mass spectrometry, and custom chemistry, to discover small molecule therapeutics for rare diseases and immunological conditions.

The company was founded by Professor Dame Carol Robinson to leverage her pioneering work in native mass spectrometry, in studies of dynamic protein assemblies, to characterise challenging drug targets including membrane proteins. The high resolution of our biophysical platform offers an unprecedented advantage in the detection of drug leads. The company vision is to build an integrated drug discovery company, with the ambition to develop and ultimately commercialise our products.

With state-of-the-art laboratories OMass is able to perform high resolution native mass spectrometry measurements, pharmacological studies, chemical computational analysis and more recently high-resolution structure determination, including crystallography and cryo-EM. Our expert pharmacology team drives compound profiling and mechanism of action studies using cutting edge assay technologies ranging from biochemical through to primary human cell phenotypic assays. The team plays a central role in all programs from target validation through to candidate selection.

Headquartered in Oxford, UK, OMass has raised over $150M (£119M) from a top-tier international investor syndicate, including Syncona, Oxford Science Enterprises, GV, Northpond Ventures, and Sanofi Ventures. This is an excellent time to join our dynamic growing company.

OMass Therapeutics is inviting applications for positions of Pharmacology Scientist to work within the Pharmacology team. The company offers a collaborative and innovative environment for a well-suited candidate to become an integral part of our future vision.

The successful candidates will possess experience in molecular pharmacology to provide compound profiling support for our ongoing drug discovery projects. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player who can assist in the development and running of in vitro assays to characterise the potency and mechanism of action of novel chemical modulators.

Applications to be received by 9am, 5th September 2022 (BST)

Essential Experience, Skills and Qualities
• MSc or BSc in Cell Biology/Pharmacology (or equivalent in related discipline).
• Experience working with cell-based or biochemical assays to assess the pharmacology of novel molecules across different protein target classes.
• Ability to independently analyse pharmacology data from functional and/or binding assays.
• Good working knowledge of different detection methodologies, including fluorescence- and luminescence-based techniques.
• Ability to learn and implement new technologies and protocols.
• Responsible and focused approach to independent and collaborative work, with the ability to prioritise and deliver high quality work to deadlines.
• Innovative and ambitious mindset, with an inquisitive and agile approach to problem-solving and overcoming technical challenges; motivated to continuously learn and take on challenges in the pursuit of delivering novel therapeutics.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills, both written and verbal, to thrive in a highly collaborative environment respectful and receptive to others’ diverse ideas, experience and perspectives.

Preferred Experience and Skills
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Experience in either GPCRs, solute carriers or innate immunity
• Experience of automated liquid handling systems.

Role Responsibilities
• In vitro cell-based and biochemical assay development using technologies such as fluorescence and luminescence readouts
• Assessment of compound potency using a variety of biochemical and cellular functional readouts
• Assessment of protein target expression and function at the mRNA and protein level using relevant assay readout systems
• Culture and maintenance of mammalian primary and immortalised cell lines, genetic manipulation of cells including generation of new recombinant cell lines
• Designing and performing studies to elucidate compound mechanism of action
• Presenting study data at project core and team meetings in dedicated project meetings and via email to the wider project team
• Exercising committed compliance to company policies, including reliable and timely recording of data into company databases
• Share information openly and work collaboratively with other departments to help advance different projects and achieve company goals.
• Promote and adhere to OMass’ values of being Ambitious, Responsible, Innovative, Focused, Caring and Collaborative.

Job Type: Full-time, 2 year Fixed Term Contract and permanent roles available
Location: Oxford / Nottingham (to be discussed)
Salary: Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits

OMass Therapeutics values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity, we also have full responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work and live in the UK.