Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II - Discovery Engineering bei Maxion Therapeutics

Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II - Discovery Engineering 

12 month Fixed Term Contract

Pampisford , Cambridge

Competitive Salary plus super benefits

About Maxion   

Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease.   

The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody® technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.   

Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO, and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter.  Maxion’s portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge, UK and is backed by international blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit: 
https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/ 

About the role  

We are
seeking a talented and highly motivated Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist II
to join Maxion’s Discovery Engineering team. The successful candidate will help lead Maxion’s growing pipeline of KnotBody® drug discovery projects, working across all aspects of biologics discovery, from early hit identification, through to screening and optimisation.

The role will comprise both laboratory and desk-based scientific work, with the opportunity for line management responsibility, depending upon experience. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in protein engineering combined with a flexible attitude and strong willingness to learn new skills.

We are committed to a culture of collaboration, so all staff are strong team players with excellent communication skills. Applicants will be comfortable with our nimble, start-up culture and fast-paced, dynamic working environment. 

Key responsibilities   

• Carry out experimental work
  to identify
  KnotBody® molecules targeting challenging membrane proteins using in vitro display and rational design approaches 

• Use expertise of protein engineering to pragmatically influence the scientific strategy and direction of projects, in line with project timelines 

• Line management of more junior scientists, depending upon experience 

• Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team
  members and senior leadership
  
   

• Solve problems on a day-to-day
  basis
  
   

• Maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time following Company
  procedures
  
   

Candidate profile 

Essential skills and experience 

• Qualified to either BSc/MSc level with extensive relevant experience or PhD level with relevant experience
  
   

• Evidenced expertise in protein engineering using in vitro display approaches 

• Working knowledge of another relevant discipline, for example cell-based assays, antibody expression and purification or flow cytometry 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 

• Ability to actively contribute to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared amongst the teams 

• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals with a can-do attitude 

Desirable skills and experience 

• Some line management experience would be advantageous 

• Previous experience preparing reports and presentations for senior leadership 

What we offer you  

• A competitive salary based on experience   

• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, free on-site parking and more  

• Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and 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 a collaborative working environment within a friendly team  
• Please note that this role is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract, although there is a possibility of extension and also offers great opportunities to grow and develop your skills and experience within the company.   

To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV via our careers page, outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations.  

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.