Senior Scientist – Antibody Discovery (Display Technologies)

About RxBiologics

The RxCelerate group of companies provides a platform for out-sourced drug discovery and development services and has a client base ranging from virtual biotech companies to some of the top 15 global pharmaceutical companies. We design and deliver complete drug development programmes from inception through to and including Phase II clinical studies.  RxBiologics is a subsidiary of RxCelerate with a focus on delivery of biologics drug discovery. Our aim is to become the antibody drug developer of choice for the UK’s venture backed biotech start-ups and outsourced pharma projects.

RxBiologics has an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated scientist to join us and help develop our services to support our growing client base. The position is based within the RxBiologics team, working at the Babraham Research Campus, a leading site within the Cambridge biotechnology hub.  

The Role

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in biologics drug discovery.  They will have working knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques and antibody display approaches used in discovery projects. They will support the delivery of client and internal programmes by performing phage display selections, sequence analysis and characterisation of antibodies. This is a full-time, lab-based role and it is expected that the successful candidate will perform work to a high standard under supervision of senior staff.  They will have a proactive approach, be an exceptional team-worker and motivated to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities. 

Main Responsibilities

• Apply molecular biology techniques to build constructs and antibody libraries.
• Conducting selections using phage display technologies.
• Analysis of antibody sequences to enable lead selection and decision making.
• Developing and running antibody characterisation assays including ELISAs and homogeneous assays (e.g., TR-FRET).
• Working knowledge of techniques used for profiling antibody affinity and kinetics (SPR/BLI).
• Protein analysis using methods such as SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and SEC.
• Provision of cross-functional support for delivery of drug discovery campaigns.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Maintenance of experimental records and delivery of high-quality reports.

Essential Skills/Requirements

• PhD or equivalent laboratory-based experience, with a minimum of 2 years working in antibody discovery within the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry.
• Excellent molecular biology skills (PCR, cloning and sequence analysis).
• Expertise in phage display platforms, lead isolation and profiling using a variety of techniques, e.g., ELISA, SPR/BLI, TR-FRET and cell assays.
• Ability to accurately interpret data and set up analysis workflows.
• Excellent organisational skills, capable of delivering to tight deadlines.
• Works effectively in a team.
• Proactive approach to resolving technical challenges.
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

RxBiologics offers a competitive salary with an annual bonus scheme and company benefit package.