Mission Therapeutics is an early-stage drug development company targeting the ubiquitin pathway for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, rare mitochondrial diseases and fibrosis. The Company has built a leading platform for the discovery and development of first-in-class, small molecule drugs that selectively target deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) – an emerging drug class that is attracting significant commercial interest in the area of protein homeostasis.
We are looking for a driven, organised and proactive individual to join the Target Validation team, within the Discovery Biology group, at our Cambridge, UK based facilities. Mission Therapeutics is ideally situated on the Babraham Research Campus at the heart of Europe’s largest biotechnology cluster.
The primary responsibility of the Principal Scientist is to provide scientific and technical leadership in establishing a disease focused capability in one of our therapeutic area of interest. This individual will drive the identification and mechanistic understanding of the role of deubiquitylating enzymes in neurodegeneration, infectious diseases, or fibrosis. This will be achieved through both independent laboratory work and strategic input on target validation initiatives.
Key responsibilities:
• Build mechanistic understanding of DUBs and DUB inhibition in relevant disease pathways
• Confirm the target role, expression and regulation in cell models and disease relevant tissues
• Contribute ideas and strategies for identification and validation of DUBs in one of the following indications: neurodegeneration, infectious diseases, or fibrosis.
• Support the development of Mission pipeline through literature assessment and database intelligence.
• Establish new in vitro assays for genetic and small molecule inhibitor screens
Essential requirements:
• PhD with post-doc in biological sciences or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated multi-disciplinary expertise
• At least 5 years’ experience developing in vitro mechanistic and phenotypic assays in the relevant field to model key aspects of disease-related cell biology
• Prior experience in producing and integrating complex data packages investigating pathways and mechanisms of disease modification
• Previous experience in the principles and techniques of data analysis, interpretation and presentation
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and deliver in accordance to agreed timelines
• Ability to work in the lab in a highly autonomous manner, with the ability to prioritise activities independently to maximise effectiveness
• Strong scientific background and demonstrated record of achievement through scientific publications or patents
• Proven ability to mentor and/or supervise junior colleagues
• Exceptional communication skills
It is desirable that applicants have at least 2 of the following:
• Experience of the drug discovery process, especially target identification and/or validation
• Knowledge of ubiquitin signalling and protein homeostasis
• Practical experience in innate immune response and inflammatory pathways
• Technical expertise with primary cell cultures or iPSc
• Practical knowledge of alpha-synuclein or tau physiopathology
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic scientist to advance their career at a fast-growing biotech company and to contribute to the development of new class of medicines.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary along with a contributory pension scheme and other excellent benefits.
The closing date for applications is 31st January 2021.
In order to comply with UK employment legislation, all applicants for positions at Mission must have the right to work in the UK. In the event that a job offer is made, you will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before you commence employment with Mission.
All applications received will be managed in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Notice available to view on the Careers page of our website.
No agencies, thank you.
If you would like to apply for the position, please send your CV with a covering letter to hr@missiontherapeutics.com.