Senior Scientist I (Membrane Protein Biochemist)

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology or similar, with proven experience in membrane protein expression and purification with relevant experience within industry. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several years of additional experience in drug discovery. Candidates with strong academic background and an excellent publication record are also encouraged to apply.

• Pension on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period. Contributions 5% for employees (salary sacrifice) and 5% for the employer. The employee can opt to increase their contribution, and the employer will match the increase up to a maximum of 7.5%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days
• Private health insurance with BUPA for the employee and their partner/family under the company scheme
• Well being support 24/7 and counselling services
• Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period
• Private dental cover, on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period
• Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme. This is a discretionary benefit.
• Career progression within the company, we have excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more!

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated scientist to join our membrane protein production team. The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics and have a good understanding of small molecules and/or biologics drug discovery. Through lab-based leadership, you will be responsible for the execution of multiple discovery projects.

• Design and execution of agreed work plans for the production and characterization of membrane proteins.
• Responsible for supporting multiple projects and may be asked to direct internal resources to achieve agreed goals.
• Will be expected to provide oversight of results to ensure quality to project specifications.
• Accountable, together with project counterparts, for the design of experiments, review of documentation, and client presentations. Will conduct thorough data analysis ahead of product release to internal or external customers.
• Proposes experimental designs and novel approaches to identify/advance best strategies in addition to planning/executing project deliverables.
• Responsible for the implementation of standalone scientific services and deliverables to customers.
• Where responsible for reports, will lead colleagues to co-develop plans for personal growth, aligned to business needs.
• Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences.
• Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec's scientific reputation.

Job Title: Senior Scientist I (Membrane Protein Biochemist)

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG

• Comprehensive knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics with a proven ability to design and deliver results within agreed timelines and budget, meeting agreed quality criteria.
• Experience in the design of membrane protein constructs to optimise functional expression in eukaryotic expression systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience with insect and mammalian cell expression systems and multi-step chromatography purification. Proficiency with FPLC/ HPLC purification systems. Analytical UHPLC experience is a plus.
• Expert in the optimisation of protein expression and purification workflows to obtain pure and stable membrane protein samples.
• Demonstrated success working with challenging membrane protein targets e.g. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, solute carriers, and integral membrane enzymes. A good understanding of different modalities (e.g. agonist/ antagonist for GPCRs, blockers/ activators for ion channels) across multiple therapeutic areas would be desirable.
• Experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified membrane proteins using a range of techniques such as fluorescence size-exclusion chromatography (fSEC), DLS, nanoDSF, mass spectrometry, SPR, GCI, and microcalorimetry.
• Extensive knowledge of what constitutes a good membrane protein sample for structural (X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM) and biophysical studies (SPR/GCI, HDX-MS).
• Experience in the solubilization and stabilization of membrane proteins into co-polymers (e.g. Amphipols, Cubipols).
• Experience in developing protein binders (Fabs, VHHs, synthetic binders) for complex targets would be advantageous.
• Experience in high-throughput methodologies with associated data capture and handling.
• Experience with using in silico-based tools for sequence and structural analysis is desired (e.g. PyMOL, AlphaFold).
• Experience in preparing and executing work plans and building trusted partnerships with internal and external customers.
• Requires a track record of leading scientists across specialist fields.
• A track record of facilitating employee growth through co-development of personal development plans would be appreciated.
• Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing stakeholders and colleagues.
• Experience of scientific development and research work, ideally with publications on membrane proteins.
• Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec's scientific reputation.

Active Communication: Communicates actively, working on further clarity and responsiveness.

Constructive Feedback: Actively seeks and provides constructive feedback, using it to improve processes and outcomes.

Consistent Team Engagement: Engages frequently, fostering a more positive and collaborative environment.

Foundational Direction Sharing: Communicates pragmatic directions, leading to general understanding and alignment.

Occasional Planning: Begins anticipating problems and improves on proactively taking precautions.

Effective Delegation: Delegates tasks effectively, trusting team members to handle responsibilities and providing necessary support and development.

• The company pays for secure onsite parking
• Restaurant, Café, and Gastro pub
• Gym and workout studio, running, walking, and cycling routes
• Good public transport links with the shuttle bus service.