Skip to main content

Scientist - Drug Discovery - Cellular Pharmacology

COMPENSATION: Competitive with share options available

LOCATION: The Schrodinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford 

HOURS: Full-time

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent 

NUCLEOME THERAPEUTICS, a fast-emerging biopharma that is building a passionate, creative, and dedicated multi-disciplinary team of scientists with expertise in gene regulation, genomics, machine learning, drug discovery, data analysis and software development, whose mission is to decode and mine the regulatory “dark matter” of the human genome to transform drug target discovery and deliver first-in-class precision medicine for autoimmune diseases. We are building a rewarding and fun environment where people embrace creative ways of thinking, take smart risks, and feel empowered to make a difference.

The Role

The drug discovery team are looking for a talented scientist with a background in cellular pharmacology to support the progression into the pipeline of the early biologics drug targets emerging from Nucleome’s proprietary platform technology. In this lab-based role you will develop primary and secondary assays for evaluation of early biologics drug molecules, engage in mechanism of action studies and support the progression of multiple asset programmes in early drug discovery. You will develop assays to test therapeutic hypotheses, investigate the pharmacology of tool and candidate molecules, and characterise the biological impact of drug molecules in ‘on target’ and ‘off target’ cell types. You’ll work with a team of experienced drug discovery scientists and have the opportunity to broaden your expertise and understanding of both small molecule and antibody biologic drug discovery. In your position you will work in close collaboration with other scientists across cross-functional teams and will have responsibility for delivery of defined studies. You will achieve visibility for your work by frequent presentation across team meetings and collaborative interactions.

What we are looking for

Essential knowledge
  • Good understanding of the principles of cellular pharmacology, ideally with some experience from an immune disease therapeutic area.
  • Understanding of principles of cellular assay optimisation with the aim of ensuring required reproducibility and sensitivity in those assays, ideally from a biologics drug discovery background.
  • Ability to design, execute and analyse cellular pharmacology experiments independently.
  • Ability to interpret, summarise and communicate results and ideas effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.
Essential Skills and Experience
  • PhD level qualification or equivalent experience in a biological or pharmacological science
  • 2+ years recent experience in a cell biology role in an industrial biopharmaceutical setting
  • Direct practical cell and molecular biology experience including techniques such as (e.g., Flow cytometry/FACS; ELISA; plate-based fluorescence assays).
  • Track record for independently delivering high quality experimental results
  • Experience of analysing and presenting data and conclusions at project team and functional team meetings
  • Strong communication skills and ability to communicate complex ideas to specialists and non-specialists.
  • Ability to work independently as well as thrive working in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Flexible and co-operative approach to colleagues
  • Ability to develop and improve new skills and knowledge necessary to successfully support assigned projects.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, as well as ability to prioritise and balance competing demands.
  • Ability to deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion.
  • A positive “can-do” and result oriented attitude, with openness to new ideas and ability to work flexibly in a highly dynamic environment.
Preferred experience
  • Research experience in immunological disease setting.
  • Primary cell culture and/or co-culture/ex vivo systems
  • Experience of biochemical mechanism of action studies for antibody or similar biologics projects
  • Experience in cell culture imaging
  • Experience in CRISPR/RNAi technology
To apply please send us your CV at [email protected]. If you know someone who could be a good fit, please share this posting with them.
Apply now

At Nucleome Therapeutics equality, diversity and inclusion is really important to us. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.