Research Scientist, Platform Technology

Bicycle Therapeutics

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Description

We have an exciting new opportunity for a skilled and diligent Research Scientist to join our dynamic Platform Technology and Science team.

You will enjoy a varied and rewarding role working in a multi-disciplinary environment to develop and deploy our proprietary technology. The role will involve providing essential support to Bicycle’s early drug discovery efforts by identifying Bicycle binders to targets of interest using our unique phage display platform. The role will also involve significant cross-functional collaboration to deliver technology and process improvements.

You will be a highly motivated, methodical, well-organised individual who enjoys working at the bench. Previous experience in a multi-disciplinary lab utilizing molecular biology, biochemical and biophysical techniques is essential. Experience of working with phage or other display technologies is not required. The role would suit someone looking for a high degree of hands-on practical work where their efforts can impact broadly.

Key responsibilities

Plan, execute and troubleshoot phage display campaigns using proprietary Bicycle platform;
Phage panning, library design, sequencing (Sanger & NGS);
Characterise Bicycle binders identified, e.g. AlphaScreen/ELISA, SPR, flow cytometry;
Interpret structure activity relationships to inform chemical optimisation;
Design, test and implement innovations to platform technology;
Stay up to date with current literature in the area, seek ideas from internal and external sources to bring about process/technology evolution;
Facilitate adoption through stakeholder engagement and rigorous validation;
Generate robust data packages to support project milestones;
Accurate and timely record keeping via electronic lab notebook system (Dotmatics);
Analyse and present complex data to internal and external stakeholders;
Willing to take on additional responsibilities outside of core role such as EH&S roles, being “super user” for lab equipment etc.

Qualifications

Essential:

A PhD in a biological or chemical subject, or equivalent scientific grounding;
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary, industrial laboratory;
Detailed understanding of protein biochemistry;
Theoretical knowledge and practical experience of biophysical techniques;
Demonstrable track record problem solving and improving laboratory processes;
Ability to plan, conduct and critically analyse experimental work;
Diligence in documenting work and understanding of the importance of data integrity;
Proactive approach to problem solving and strong self-motivation;
Excellent organisational skills, effective at managing time between lab bench and office;
Close attention to detail, willingness to seek peer review and provide critical analysis;
Strong interpersonal skills; effective communication with multidisciplinary teams both locally and remotely.