Research Associate - Binder Discovery

We are looking for a motivated Research Associate level scientist to join a multidisciplinary group of researchers within the Binder Discovery Group. This role will focus generation and characterisation of new antibody-based proteins targeting a variety of cancer antigens, TME factors and cell engineering targets to develop and improve CAR T cell therapy.

Successful candidates will need creativity, curiosity and a strong scientific rationale to develop and assess novel antibodies and cell targeting entities as well as help drive projects towards the clinic. A strong background of lab-based research showing independence as well as a solid understanding of immune-oncology therapeutic strategies will be a significant advantage.

This work will be performed in close collaboration with the wider Autolus R&D teams and successful applicants will work within a wider context of translational and cell manufacturing divisions. Rapid translation to clinical testing is a key motivation of the company. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of immunotherapy in rapidly moving and truly multi-disciplinary field.,

• Antibody generation and protein engineering to target oncology focused antigens.


• Mammalian cell culture techniques including aseptic work with multiple different cell lines and culture types.


• Molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning, DNA analysis, modelling of cloning using appropriate software (snapgene etc).


• Characterisation of antibody and CAR T cell performance including;


o Protein analyses techniques; Purification, ELISA, Biacore SPR, SEC chromatography, DSF etc.
o Cell analysis techniques; Cell culture, flow cytometry, Incucyte, cytokine assays, cytotoxicity assays.

• Clear and concise documentation of laboratory findings in electronic lab notebook.


• Plan and execute experiments with conflicting timelines.


• Interpret complex data sets using statistics packages and present conclusions concisely including in presentations to R&D teams and VP/CSO.


• Any other duties as required following consultation with the post holder.
  
  Experience - Prior evidence of substantial laboratory-based experience is a prerequisite.


• Knowledge and experience of working with display systems for antibody discovery, including but not limited to phage display (P), as well as yeast and mammalian display (P).


• Understanding of antibody and CAR structures, and the current state of the art for CAR T cell therapy. (E)


• Experience in mammalian cell culture (E), transfection and viral manufacture and transduction. (P)


• Performance and analysis of large NGS data sets for antibody discovery. (P)


• Highly proficient using standard molecular and synthetic biology techniques as well as protein production, purification and analysis methods. (E)


Qualifications
MSc or equivalent in Biology/Biochemistry or related discipline and demonstrable lab experience. Applicants with substantial (3-4 years) relevant industrial experience but not advanced degrees are also welcome to apply. (E)

Skills/Specialist knowledge

• Familiarity with B cell and T cell biology and immunology (E).


• Understanding of oncology, therapeutic modalities and the advantages/ difficulties facing the field. (E)


• Understanding of CAR T cell therapy and antibody-based therapeutics. (E)


• Strong skills in molecular cloning including construct and library design, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA assembly and E. coli transformation. (E)


• Familiarity with DNA analysis software such as Snapgene. (P)


• Familiarity with protein production and purification (E), and assays such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and protein-protein interaction analysis (BIAcore ). (P)


• Strong verbal and written communication skills. (E)


• High attention to detail. (E)


• Be a self-starter and willing to learn new skills. (E)


• Commitment to high quality work.(E)


• Ability for creative and critical thinking. (E)