Associate Scientist (Protein Production) Coventry, England
Job description
Protein Production Associate Scientist
Employment Type
Full-time, flexible, with option of some home working
Compensation
Competitive at £22,000-30,000, subject to experience level and negotiation.
ABOUT US
NanoSyrinx is an award-winning synthetic biology company focused on a novel targeted drug delivery technology with the vision of fundamentally revolutionising how biological medicines are delivered into cells. To do this, we are leveraging one of nature’s own elegant solutions: naturally occurring, bacterial protein 'nanosyringes', capable of encapsulating and delivering therapeutic payloads in a cell specific manner, with nano-scale precision.
As a discovery stage, seed-funded company,now is the perfect opportunity to join the growing NanoSyrinx family! You will be joining us at a pivotal time, with the chance to have a large impact on how the company and its technology develops toward future applications.
The company leadership team includes Dr. Joe Healey, the CEO and co-founder of the company, who conducted his PhD research on the technology in the lab of Prof. Nick Waterfield (co-founder) at the University of Warwick Medical School, Dr. James Lapworth, Chief Business Officer, who joined from Warwick Innovations, the technology transfer office of the University of Warwick and Dr. Marie McAvoy, Chief Scientific Officer, who has a wealth of experience on vaccines, biopharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapies gained from working in biopharm and pharma companies. The company’s leadership team is supported by a network of advisors including Dr. Jane Dancer (non-executive director - formerly CBO at F-Star and Cellzome), and Dr. Stephen Taylor (Exec Chairman - formerly SVP Commercial at Fujifilm Diosynth), as well as a veteran Scientific Advisory Board.
ABOUT THE TEAM
You will be joining a technical team of 7 scientists and will be responsible for various aspects of our technical research and development. We are looking for a candidate who is excited to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a close-knit and friendly group, with initiative, working towards a common goal.
The position is based at our labs at the University of Warwick, with the company being headquartered at the University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry.
ROLE MISSIONS
We are looking to hire an Associate Scientist in Protein Production with knowledge of bacterial expression, protein purification and analysis. Day to day responsibilities will include purifying the nanosyringe complexes and other proteins, analysis of these samples for use both internally and for external partners.
You will be an important member of the protein production team within NanoSyrinx, and have the opportunity to help the company shape its processes and technical capabilities. You will also have the opportunity to be exposed to broader aspects of molecular biology/genetics, cell biology and assay design.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
For this role, the following criteria are essential:
- BSc, MSc or equivalent industry experience in a relevant discipline, such as protein engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology or similar related field
- Experience or familiarity in protein purification, SDS-PAGE analysis and protein quantification
- Adaptable to changing demands whilst operating to deadlines
- Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
- Keen to learn new techniques
For this role, the following criteria are desirable:
- Experience in protein purification using AKTA FPLC systems
- Experience with recombinant protein expression in bacteria
- Work experience in an industry/biotechnology laboratory environment (particularly a start-up or similar environment)
Additionally, for all of our positions, the following criteria are essential:
Strong team ethic
We are a close-knit, dynamic team (and it’s not just the usual corporate cliché!). We value the trust we have in each other and our work. This is reciprocated by transparency, and diligence. We collectively strive to provide and preserve work-life-balance.
Attention to detail
Attention to detail is required in all aspects of the job, whether that be working safely in laboratory space, or writing up experimental procedures and recording data in lab books. Life in a small biotech is heavily goal and milestone driven, and it is crucial that we are focussed and in control of as many details as possible.
Interpersonal skills
The quality and cohesiveness of a team is often the number one determinant of success for a small company. It is therefore absolutely essential to demonstrate respect for, and consideration of, others and their work. This means needing to work conscientiously and professionally, and to have the ability to communicate effectively with others - particularly regarding the presentation of scientific data at an appropriate level. This includes, for example, the ability to create high quality presentations of data, the ability to produce informative figures, slides and documentation, but also to communicate within the team to achieve common goals.
Agile
Ability to work to deadlines, particularly when more than one project may demand time commitment.
WHAT WE OFFER
NanoSyrinx provides a friendly working environment situated at the well-connected University of Warwick’s modern campus. Our company was born out of a close-knit academic community at the University, and we pride ourselves on carrying this through into the company - frequent coffee breaks with your colleagues, and after-work socialising are encouraged (but not mandatory)!
We understand that biology and real life don’t always keep office hours, so we offer flexible working, with competitive allowances for annual leave and parental leave etc.
In addition to competitive salaries, NanoSyrinx operates a discretionary cash bonus scheme (up to 10% of annual salary), with the possibility of Company Options.
NanoSyrinx operates a workplace pension (provided by Aviva), with up to 5% matched employer contributions (further details will be provided in your employment contract).
The opportunity to travel nationally and internationally for professional development and company advancement.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
NanoSyrinx is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a friendly, inclusive environment which is a pleasure to work in. We recognise the rights of all individuals to mutual respect and want to foster an environment where there is an unbiased acceptance of others.
Our policies and practices aim to promote an environment which is free from all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, and treats people fairly, with dignity and respect.
That’s the sort of place we would want to work, and it’s the environment we want to build with you if you join us - and, since diverse teams are known to be more effective - it’s great business sense too!
THE BORING BIT
To be eligible to apply for these positions you must have the right to work in the UK, and may be asked to demonstrate this if an offer is made to you.
Applications will close when sufficient submissions have been received, or by 28th February 2023, whichever is sooner - so we encourage you to apply early! Interviews will be starting latest w/c 6th March. But we are happy to be flexible with dates to find the best matching candidate. Part of the interview process will be a short presentation about your scientific background and experience.
PLEASE NOTE:
This position is based at the University of Warwick's Campus in Coventry, however this is NOT a University appointment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £22,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Supplemental pay types:
- Bonus scheme
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 20/09/2021
