Senior/Research Scientist (Membrane Protein Biochemist), Protein Structure & Biophysics Group, Slough, UK

 

Make your mark for patients.

 

We’re here because we want to build the future and transform patients’ lives for the better.

 

At UCB, our people are our experiences and achievements, our passion and drive. That’s why we’re looking for talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences – not
just the best and brightest, but those who care about making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. We promote an environment of diversity, openness, and respect where people can make valuable contributions.

 

An exciting journey lies ahead. Will you join us in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible?

 

UCB has an excellent track record in utilising structural information in the development of both small molecule and antibody therapeutics.  To support this capability, we have
an exciting opportunity for a membrane protein biochemist to join the Protein Structure & Biophysics (PS&B) department and contribute to UCB’s goal of bringing real benefits to patients.

 

We are looking for an innovative, enthusiastic protein biochemist with expertise in the expression and purification of integral membrane proteins for use in structural studies
to join our Protein Expression & Purification team, based in Slough, UK.  The role offers the opportunity to work alongside a dynamic and diverse group of scientists that make up the PS&B department and to interact with the wider research organisation on our
drug discovery programs.

 

 

Responsibilities

• Take a lead role in the expression and purification of multi-pass membrane proteins for structural studies.

·      
Collaborate with other members of the PS&B department and across multiple disciplines (project teams, medicinal chemistry, antibody discovery and the CADD group) to collectively bring
value to our therapeutic projects.

·      
Interpret and communicate experimental data at cross-functional meetings,
highlighting technical challenges and providing potential solutions.

·      
Keep abreast of and implement technology developments within the area of protein expression and purification with a key focus on
multi-pass membrane proteins.

 

Profile

Candidates will have a PhD (or graduate with 4-5 years’ experience) with significant hands-on experience in recombinant protein production. 
Preference will be given to candidates who have spent time working within labs recognised for their expertise in the field of multi-pass membrane proteins.

 

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following skill sets:

 

• Ability to interrogate protein structures to optimize expression construct design.
  
• Familiar with a range of expression systems including: E.coli, insect cell and mammalian cell.
• Fully independent in protein purification techniques and
  extensive working knowledge of AKTA purification platforms and associated software.
• Knowledge of and ideally hands-on experience in producing membrane proteins in nano-discs, liposomes and SMALPS.
• An expert in the techniques required in the expression and purification of multi-pass membrane proteins for use in structural studies.
• Not essential, but good to have experience of performing structure determination and/or mass spec analysis of membrane proteins.
• An excellent knowledge of the literature around the generation of multi-pass membrane proteins for structural studies.

 

In addition, all applicants must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to
protein.purification@ucb.com

Only candidates able to work in the UK will be considered for this role.