Research Scientist/Senior Scientist - Protein Sciences

About Maxion 

Maxion Therapeutics is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing groundbreaking biologic medicines for diseases with unmet needs, driven by ion channel and GPCR dysfunction. Our innovative KnotBody technology empowers us to create potent, selective, and durable antibody therapeutics. This technology merges millions of years of cysteine-rich miniprotein ('Knottin') evolution with cutting-edge antibody engineering, addressing pivotal challenges in ion channel/GPCR drug discovery.

Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders, who are trailblazers in antibody engineering. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team boasts a stellar track record. Dr Schottelius has held senior leadership positions, successfully advancing therapeutics from research to late-stage clinical development, and building valuable portfolios of drug candidates and pharma partnerships.

Our co-founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co-founded IONTAS, and together invented KnotBody technology. Dr McCafferty is also renowned for co-inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co-founding Cambridge Antibody Technology.

About the Role 

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated scientist to join our Protein Sciences Team. The ideal candidate will have experience in expression and purification of recombinant proteins.  The successful candidate will play a key role in our drug discovery efforts and contribute to achieving our ambitious goals. We value individuals who thrive in our agile startup environment and can adapt to our fast-paced, dynamic work culture. 

Key responsibilities 

• Express different antibody/KnotBody formats using mammalian expression systems 
• Express challenging membrane proteins (including GPCRs and Ion channels) using E.coli, insect cell and mammalian expression systems 
• Purify expressed proteins using various chromatography techniques/systems (e.g., FPLC). 
• Characterise and QC the purified protein biochemical and biophysical techniques (SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, Western blot, AC-SINS, HPLC-SEC, ELISA, etc) 
• Assist with the management of day-to-day operations within Protein Sciences Group (maintenance of chromatography instruments, producing SOP, Risk Assessments, etc)
• Design and create DNA constructs using a range of cloning strategies
• Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members  
• Proactively solve problems on a day-to-day basis  
• Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks in a timely manner and follow Company procedures

Candidate Profile 

 The candidate will possess a PhD or at least 5-6 years of experience in industry.

Essential skills include: 

• Experience/expertise in chromatography techniques and systems (size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography and ion exchange) 
• Experience/expertise in antibody characterisation and QC
• Attention to detail, rigorous scientific thinking and commitment to quality 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills  
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships  
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Proven ability to work autonomously

Beyond this core experience one or more of the following skills will be advantageous: 

• Familiarity with cloning methods (restriction cloning, Golden gate cloning, Gibson assembly etc) 
• Experience in complex membrane protein expression and/or purification 

What can we offer you? 

• A competitive salary based on experience 
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous Pension Contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance and participation in the company share option scheme 
• 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 great on-site amenities (gym, shared facilities, canteen), offering 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

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.