Scientist, Protein Sciences & Analytics, Biologics Engineering -High throughput Developability assays-

Introduction to the Role:

Early-stage biologics developability is essential foridentifyingmolecular liabilities before candidates enter intensive downstream development. By applyinghighthroughputbiophysical assays and in silico approaches,developability scientists generate rich datasets that reveal how sequence and structural features influence molecular behaviour. These experimentally grounded insights not only guide engineering decisions but also serve ashighqualitytraining data for generative machine learning models, enabling the predictive design of more stable, manufacturable biologic therapeutics from the beginning.

Biologics Engineering Functionin the UKis basedat our newstate-of-the-artDiscovery Centre (DISC)locatedon the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.Biologics Engineeringis responsible forthe discovery and optimisation of biological candidate drugs to support alltherapy area drug discovery pipelines and for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to support future drug discovery efforts. 

About the Role:

We areseekinga highly skilled and motivated Scientist to support our biologics discovery pipeline by generating and interpretinghighqualitydevelopability data.

The role involves providingexperimentalsupporttothehigh-throughputdevelopabilityplatformsto characteriseon adiversebiologicmodalities. TechniquesincludeBLI (BioLayerInterferometry), ELISAs (EnzymeLinkedImmunosorbent Assays), DSF (Differential Scanning Fluorimetry), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), and automation workflows.

The successful candidate will join the Analytics and Developability Team in Cambridge and willbe responsible forexecuting experiments; developing and validating assays; implementing automation solutions; and performing complex correlative data analyses to generate actionable insights. This primarilylab basedrole requires close collaboration within a multidisciplinary team focused on biologics production and characterization, working closely with partners across therapy areas and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute experiments using BLI (Octet) and ELISAsto evaluate/screen biologics for non-specific bindingand self-association.

• Execute experiments for stability and particle characterization of biologics using the Prometheus Panta (DSF andDLS)orsimilarinstruments.

• Ability towork withdifferentautomation solutions to streamline experimental workflows and increase efficiency.

• Analyzeand interpret experimental data, including performing complex correlative analyses linking biophysical parameters to PK properties across diverse biologic modalities, and present findings tocrossfunctionalteams

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support drug discovery projects by providingexpertisein protein-protein interactions.

• Stay abreast of the latest scientific and technological advancements in the field ofdevelopabilityand contribute to the implementation of new techniques and methodologies.

Essential Requirements 

• BSc/MScdegreeand/orwith equivalent lab-based experience.

• Hands-on experiencewith Octet andhigh-throughputELISAassaysto evaluate/screen biologics for non-specific bindingand self-association.

• Hands-on experience designing anddeterminingstability measurements byDSF/DLSplatforms(preferably withhand-on experienceonthePrometheus Pantaor equivalent instrument).

• Demonstratedhandsonexperience developing and operating automation workflows, including the integration of biochemical/biophysical assay formats intohighthroughputplatforms.

• Experience performing statistical analyses.

• Excellent understanding ofdifferentPost-translationalmodifications (PTMs)and impact onbiologicsdevelopability.

• Ability to provide solutions to a variety of complex problems e.g., ability to dissectcomplexbiophysical properties.

• Ability tooptimizeprotocols, troubleshoot, interpret experimental results/data, andmaintainaccurate, high quality and up-to-date experimental records.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and with an ability to quickly learn and embracenew technologies.

Desirable Requirements 

• Experiencewithinsilicoprotein structureanalysistools (AlphaFold,RoseTTAFoldetc.)

• Experience with other biophysical characterisation techniques, such asSPRandmass spectrometry.

• Experience with molecular biology, proteinpurificationand cell culture techniques.

• Experience working in a high-throughput environment, as well as using high-throughput automation and liquid-handling systems e.g., HamiltonRobotics liquid handlers.

• Abackground inbiologicsdrug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Experience with Signals ELN andGenedataBiologics platforms.