Reason for role: Lead R&D projects on cell line development and enhanced production of difficult-to-express biologics in mammalian platform driven by genetic elements                          

Salary: up to £47K per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Essential qualifications/Prerequisites:

• PhD degree in one of the following: cell and/or molecular biology, biochemistry or similar.
• Significant proven experience in molecular biology, mammalian tissue cell culture and protein expression – either in post-doctoral role or as upstream production expert in industry.
• In-depth experience in various adherent and suspension-grown cell lines (CHO, HEK293, BHK etc), transfection, stable cell line development and expression analysis.
• Complete confidence in various cloning techniques (restriction enzyme-based, Gibson assembly, In-Fusion, Gateway etc), PCR-based mutagenesis including large DNA template/whole plasmid and CRISPR/Cas approaches.
• Thorough understanding of gene regulation, transcriptional elements, translational machinery and protein synthesis/processing.
• Great interpersonal skills and the ability to lead a small team.
• High ability to work independently and drive a project to completion. 
• Ability to drive innovation.
• High level of precision, attention to detail, efficiency and motivation.
• Proven ability to interpret scientific data, analyse and research complex issues and write research reports as evidenced from a publication record.

Summary of role:

Daresbury Proteins is a successful biotech start-up based in Warrington, Cheshire, specialising in mammalian recombinant protein production and cell line development. We make exceptional quality proteins.

We are seeking an exceptional, experienced and enthusiastic Lead Scientist with a passion for novel scientific approaches and technological advances in the field of enhanced gene regulation and protein production. The successful applicant will work in an ambitious start-up micro-company under the supervision of CEO and as part of the exciting Sci-Tech Daresbury community.

The company’s R&D focuses on the production of difficult-to-express recombinant biologics produced in mammalian cells. Your role will be the central one in the projects’ deliverables. The successful candidate is expected to design, clone and validate novel genetic elements aimed at various phases of protein synthesis such as transcription, translation, assembly, folding and secretion, to ensure enhanced production of stable and fully active recombinants. We want to further develop our enabling technology and create a toolbox for the production of difficult-to-express biotherapeutics. The post holder will be responsible for driving innovation and ensuring that all the associated project milestones and deadlines are met. The Lead Scientist will also be involved in/responsible for the upstream production of all our existing and new projects in the pipeline.

The candidate is also expected to be involved in day-to-day smooth running of the lab and other aspects of recombinant protein production including (but not limited to) protein purification by liquid chromatography approaches, protein characterisation and assay development.

The post holder is expected to represent the company and their work at research/scientific/industry conferences, congresses and networking events.

You will join our small team on our exciting entrepreneurial journey where we overcome various challenges together and everyone goes above and beyond. For a highly experienced, ambitious and passionate researcher, it is a fantastic opportunity to grow with the company and become a prominent player in the sector.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, clone, validate and troubleshoot genetic elements in expression vectors for recombinant protein production to drive innovation
• Create stable and transient cell lines, adherent and suspension grown, via various transfection approaches (PEI, lipid-based, electroporation etc)
• Adapt existing and develop new protocols and techniques
• Fully manage own research and administrative activities and coordinate them with other members of the team as a Lead
• Provide training when necessary to other members of the laboratory-based team
• Maintain lab books and produce regular accounts/reports to ensure the work progress

• Regularly review scientific findings and discoveries published in peer reviewed publications to understand the current state-of-the-art and seek novel approaches 
• Regularly communicate with the CEO and other members of the team as required
• Present results and represent the company at conferences, meetings, congresses and other business or networking events
• To be responsible for the daily housekeeping of the lab and performing any other duties as may be required to ensure the efficient running of the lab and internal projects
• Meet tight deadlines while working under the Covid-19 (or similar) constrains including shifts
• Raise company’s profile and publicise our achievements via social media

How to apply:

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Please send applications in the following format: a CV, including full details of previous training and research experience to date; a publication record; a one-page covering letter explaining why you want to join our team and what you will bring to the company.

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

We would like to apologise in advance for not being able to notify unsuccessful applicants individually and respond to queries regarding the outcomes of the selection process.