Description
General Summary:
We are currently seeking a self-motivated and experienced protein biochemist to join the Protein, Cell and Structural Sciences group at our Oxford site (Milton Park). This position provides the candidate with an opportunity to learn and develop skills in drug discovery in a patient-focused environment. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong hands-on experience of protein production from multiple expression systems, and purification of challenging targets such as protein complexes and/or membrane proteins. A key feature of this role is an ability to critically assess the scientific literature, and to design and run your experiments independently. Experience in a broad range of biophysical or biochemical techniques, preferably using high throughput methods, and/or experience with either X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM would also be an advantage. You will be part of a high impact team advancing drug discovery through application of protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology techniques. You will be working collaboratively with multiple interdisciplinary teams both in the UK and globally.
Key Responsibilities:
- Purification of proteins and other macromolecules for structural studies, biophysics, and high throughput assays
- Biophysical and biochemical studies of macromolecules using a range of methods for direct binding and small molecule modulator development
- Maintaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry, molecular structure, and wider role of each target in disease through critical analysis of the literature; working closely with our disease biology teams
Key Requirements:
Essentials:
- Ph.D. level (or equivalent experience) Biochemist or Biologist with extensive laboratory experience from similar roles in the pharmaceutical industry or academia
- A track record of delivering high impact results in protein science within academic or pharmaceutical industry settings as demonstrated through a strong publication history supported by evidence of individual contributions to projects
- Practical experience of recombinant protein expression in several platforms including mammalian (stable & transients), insect cells or E.coli
- Strong practical experience in protein purification including IMAC, IEC, SEC, IEX, HIC; fusion protein cleavage technologies; use of AKTA system-based chromatography
- Strong interpersonal skills & troubleshooting skills
Desirable:
- Familiarity with high-throughput methods for assessing protein expression & purification yields/quality is desired
- Experience using various biophysical methods particularly assessing small molecule target engagement &/or structural biology methods is advantageous
- Experience with either X-ray crystallography; cryo-EM; cryoET
- Excellent record keeping; communication & presentation skills
- Demonstrable leadership for promoting innovation in those techniques & abilities to troubleshoot problems as they arise
Flex Designation: On-Site
Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid Eligible role you can choose to be designated as:
Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week;
On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program & may change at any time.
Company Information:
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity & non-discrimination for all employees & qualified applicants without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity/expression; age; religion; national origin/ancestry/ethnicity/disability/veteran status/genetic information/sexual orientation/marital status/or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities according to applicable law. Any applicant requiring accommodation during hiring process/to perform essential functions should request it from recruiter/hiring manager/contact Talent Acquisition at