Project Leader (Senior / Principal Scientist) - neurodegenerative disease drug discovery

Talisman Therapeutics Ltd is a neuroscience-focused drug discovery company based in Cambridge, UK. Building upon the world class knowledge and skills of its team, Talisman develops and employs proprietary human stem cell models of neurodegenerative disease, to advance the development of novel therapeutics via both internal and external collaborative projects. This is an exciting time to join the company as we develop and expand our research portfolio.

We are currently recruiting for a Senior / Principal Scientist to lead existing projects and develop novel research areas as a senior member of our expanding team. This is an opportunity for a dynamic, intellectually curious scientist to lead and develop a research group focused on the cell and molecular biology of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. The ideal candidate will combine enthusiasm for active bench research with team leadership and in-depth scientific knowledge. In addition to leading research projects, day-to-day tasks include development and exploitation of human stem cell models and analysis of disease-relevant biology to support drug discovery. Projects are wide-ranging, including novel target identification and validation, whole genome and small molecule disease modification screens, as well as exploring mechanistic biology of novel therapeutics. We are looking for a collaborative team member who wants to make a difference as part of an experienced team.

Key areas of responsibility:
• Research project leadership and line management of junior team members;
• Design and management of research projects (internal and external);
• Design, execution, analysis and interpretation of experimental work to support drug discovery from target identification through to candidate profiling in human stem cell systems;
• Effective communication of findings (verbal and written).

Skills and qualifications:
Essential qualifications are a minimum of a 2.1 class honours degree in the biological or physical sciences and a PhD in the biological or physical sciences. Essential skills include advanced hands-on expertise in at least one of: molecular/cell biology, cell culture, neuroscience, neurodegeneration or inflammation research, together with experience in supervising and leading the research of junior colleagues. For Principal scientist, we require substantial postdoctoral research experience in academic and/or commercial settings, and to have had direct responsibility for management of a team of researchers as a group leader, lecturer or independent fellow.

Application Instructions: 

The role will be based at the Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge. We offer excellent compensation and benefits that reflect the strong company commitment to employee wellbeing. Our benefits include a 4.5-day week for all staff to enable work-life-balance, an Employee Share Option Scheme, a non-contributory Life Assurance scheme, and access to a cycle-purchase scheme. Salary will be in the region of £42,000-£56,000 depending on level of appointment. Should you wish to be considered for this position, please send a CV and covering letter to recruitment@talisman-therapeutics.com by Wednesday 30th November at 12:00 noon. Informal enquiries about the position may be directed to Dr Clare Jones, CSO (clare@talisman-therapeutics.com).

Application Closing Date: 
30 November 2022