Senior Protein Scientist / Protein Scientist

                                                                                            

Senior Protein Scientist / Protein Scientist 

T-Cypher Bio is an early-stage, innovative biotechnology company aiming to unlock an expansive target space to build a pipeline of novel, T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapeutics. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Protein Scientist or Protein Scientist with a strong background in protein design, production and purification to advance our platform development as part of the Protein Engineering team. 

What you will do 

The primary focus of this role will be to execute experiments for the production, purification, screening & characterization of soluble TCR proteins or antibody-like bispecific molecules. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with soluble protein production as well as demonstrate a strong understanding of protein engineering and molecular biology-based methods. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Express and screen soluble TCR proteins or antibody-like bispecific molecules with improved properties using various protein expression techniques and expression systems

• Characterize TCR proteins and bispecific formats using various biochemical and biophysical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, western blotting, ELISA, HPLC, mass spectrometry, and biophysical assays such as CD, DLS, DSF, SPR and Octet BLI

• Develop and optimize expression and purification protocols utilising a range of affinity capture methods and chromatography techniques

• Develop and implement high throughput protein screening assays to progress our pipeline activities

• Design and execute cloning strategies based on established molecular biology techniques such as HiFi assembly or restriction enzyme-based approaches

• Influence group and project meetings, offering scientific insights and expertise to advance research projects

• Prioritisation of personal workloads and coordination of scientific work streams and processes

• Analyse and record experimental result and communicate findings to the team and to management

• Maintain and implement good laboratory practices, including accurate laboratory notebook systems, instrument and reagent maintenance, and personnel safety precautions

To be successful you will need 

• A PhD in protein biochemistry, protein engineering, molecular immunology, or related field

• At least 2 years relevant industrial or post-doc experience with a focus on protein sciences

• Hands on experience in biochemical techniques for the characterization and affinity measurement of proteins e.g. SEC, ELISA, HPLC, mass spectrometry, and assays such as CD, DLS, DSF, SPR & Octet BLI

• Expertise in expression of recombinant protein in mammalian cells (e.g. CHO, HEK) and in other relevant expression systems

• Expertise in techniques for production and yield optimisation of challenging soluble proteins

• Experience with protein purification using AKTA FPLC systems

• Ability to design and generate protein constructs and formats with an appreciation of the impact of sequence liabilities and post translational modifications (PTMs)

• Analysing & presenting results in a concise and accurate manner to the wider team

• Knowledge of the TCR-therapeutic landscape is desirable

• Ability to adapt to multiple roles in a matrixed, fast-paced and evolving company

• Enjoy working towards challenging goals in a fast-moving environment

• Ability to follow and write protocols and SOPs

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment

• Strong organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)