ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST - ION CHANNEL/ GPCR BIOLOGIST
About Maxion
Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease. The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins ('knottins') with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies.
Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter. Maxion's portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge, UK and is backed by international blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit:
https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/.
About The Role
We are currently seeking a qualified Associate Scientist with an interest Ion Channels and/or GPCR biology to join our Discovery Biology Team. The successful candidate will work closely with internal partners to undertake biologically relevant assays for assessing the efficacy of KnotBodies in several therapeutic areas. The data from these assays will drive the selection of therapeutic candidates that can potentially transform the lives of millions of people afflicted by diseases. The applicant will be comfortable with our nimble, start-up culture and fast-paced, dynamic working environment. This full-time role is lab-based, with scope to build on existing laboratory skills with a wide range of additional techniques, including GPCR assays, patch-clamp, protein purification, etc.
Key Responsibilities
- Hands-on experience of ion Channel and/or GPCR assays
- Generation and optimisation of mammalian cell lines for in-vitro assays
- Basic protein expression and purification of KnotBodies
- To use appropriate scientific literature to design & execute innovative biologically impactful experiments in collaboration with team members
- To analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members and at scientific conferences
- To maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time, following company procedures
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate possess a Bsc or an MSc with basic knowledge of GPCR and/or Ion Channels and experience of working in a lab environment (academic or industrial).
Essential Skills Include
Proven experience within a cell biology lab based environment, desirably in GPCR/ion channels (Academic or Industrial) including Mammalian cell culture, GPCR plate-based assays (luminescence, fluorescence), Ion channel assays (patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescent plate-based assays)
- Attention to detail, commitment to quality and rigorous scientific thinking
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships
- Actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams
- Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can-do attitude
What Can we offer you?
- A competitive salary based on experience
- A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, participation in the company Share Option Scheme, and more.
- Significant opportunities for career progression within a dynamic company.
- Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community.
- Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field.
- A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering collaborative working environment within a friendly team.
To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations. Closing date: 4th April 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide original documents showing eligibility to work in the UK.
This is a permanent position.
Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.