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Senior 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 an innovative Senior Scientist with a background in cellular pharmacology to drive the progression of novel drug targets into the early drug discovery pipeline. In this predominantly lab-based role you will be a pivotal member of our expanding in vitro cellular pharmacology team and will be responsible for the conception and development of novel cell biology assays to support projects in early discovery. You’ll be engaged in biological validation studies, assay development and mechanism of action investigation activities across all of our pipeline, with a focus on autoimmune diseases. Drawing on your prior expertise from the biopharma industry, you’ll ensure that new assays are well designed and efficiently integrated into our workflows. As a senior scientist in the team, you’ll be up to date on the relevant biological literature and you’ll bring novel scientific ideas and insight into the projects, as well as innovative solutions to address challenging biological questions. You’ll have responsibility for multiple lines of investigation in parallel and you’ll ensure that priorities are managed, and project deadlines are met. You’ll communicate effectively across levels and disciplines, with external collaborators and partners and also provide mentorship and training for junior scientists. You will be recognised across the company for your expertise, project contributions and collaborative work across teams.

What we are looking for

Essential knowledge
  • Understanding of the principles of cellular pharmacology as applied to assay development, drug molecule characterisation and mechanism of action studies, derived from direct practical experience in an industrial setting
  • Knowledge of immunological processes, ideally gained from personal experience in an immunology therapeutic area.
  • Background in antibody biologics and/or small molecule programmes derived from direct project experience.
  • Understanding of principles of pharmacological assay optimisation with the aim of ensuring required reproducibility and sensitivity
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, communication skills and sound scientific judgement
  • Desire to work collaboratively as part of a high-achieving, matrix team environment
Essential Skills and Experience
  • PhD level qualification or equivalent experience in a biological or pharmacological science
  • Recent and proven experience in in vitro cellular pharmacology in an industrial biopharmaceutical setting
  • Proven ability to independently design, develop and validate of primary and secondary assays for antibody and/or compound profiling.
  • Experience of working with complex primary cell culture and/or co-culture systems.
  • Exceptional practical cell and molecular biology skills in diverse techniques (e.g., Flow cytometry/FACS; qRT-PCR; ELISA; plate-based fluorescence assays).
  • Demonstrated ability to present and communicate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams
  • Ability to design and run high-quality experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps and identify alternative approaches
  • Ability to develop and improve new skills and knowledge necessary to successfully support assigned projects
  • Ability to work independently as well as thrive working in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to communicate complex ideas to specialists and non-specialists.
  • Flexible and co-operative approach to colleagues.
  • 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 dynamics environment.
Preferred experience
  • Research experience in immunological disease setting.
  • Prior experience of training and/or mentoring of students and junior scientists
  • Experience in cell culture imaging
  • Experience in CRISPR/RNAi technology
  • Experience in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or in situ hybridisation (ISH)
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.