Avacta Group Plc is a healthcare technology and consumables company providing proprietary analytical and diagnostics solutions to the drug development and healthcare sectors. Avacta Analytical Limited is an operating division of Avacta Group Plc and, due to expansion, is currently seeking to fill a number of scientific and technical posts. The company is looking for enthusiastic and highly skilled individuals who want an opportunity to contribute to the development of a fast growing life sciences company.
In addition to a competitive salary and excellent terms and conditions of employment Avacta Group Plc offers the opportunity for employees to join a stakeholder pension scheme.
Background to the Company
Avacta Analytical Ltd is based in Wetherby, United Kingdom, halfway between the dynamic cities of York and Leeds and provides services and innovative instrumentation to the biopharmaceutical market. Our focus is to equip customers with a broad range of capabilities, enabling them to develop their therapeutics quicker, cheaper and better. As a small, but dynamic and growing company we pride ourselves on our service and the relationships that we build with our customers through our core cultural values of innovation, boldness, fulfilment and care. Avacta Group joined AIM in August 2006. More information about Avacta Group Plc can be found at www.avacta.com
Study Manager – Formulation Scientist
A position has become available for the right candidate to take a specialist role within our small team of analytical scientists. Avacta are a specialist biophysical and physicochemical analytical CRO based outside of Leeds. We provide analytical services to variety of global Biopharmaceutical companies, supporting them at various stages of their drug development programmes. The selected candidate will take a lead in delivering a variety of analytical projects and programmes to our customers.
Experience/Required Skills
o Experienced in running pre-formulation and stability studies of protein drug candidate compounds using various analytical techniques.
o Strong knowledge of protein formulation and analytical methods development.
o Experience or knowledge of setting up high-through-put formulation processes and platforms would be advantageous, but not essential.
o Ability to both work within a team and coordinates efforts of the team.
o To accomplish this function, the selected candidate should possess the skills to utilize a diverse array of analytical instruments. It would be advantageous to have knowledge of Mass Spec, CD, AUC, Fluorescence, FTIR, DLS and DSC.
o A crucial aspect of this role is the ability to work diligently and accurately in the pressurised environment of a CRO. Being able to meet tight deadlines, manage projects and the ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects is essential. Previous experience at another CRO would be very advantageous.
o Experience of interpreting data from various analytical techniques, including the above mentioned biophysical techniques.
o Experience of assisting in the running of a lab.
o Knowledge of protein chemistry and biophysical characterisation.
o Excellent analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to operate both independently and in team settings.
o Experience of working in a GMP/GLP environment.
Responsibilities
o To manage a portfolio of different analytical projects. Specific tasks covering everything from study start up through to data interpretation, report writing and final sign off.
o Monitors and update on progress and status of assigned studies both internally and externally. Ensures that all experimental data, including observations of unanticipated responses, are accurately recorded and verified.
o To provide scientific and analytical know how to both the internal team and external customers.
o To support the commercial team with proposal writing and contribute to the delivery of presentations for new business, as required.
o Assist in ensuring adherence to professional, SOPs and specific ICH standards.
o Proactively identify out of scope activities and execute necessary work scope change orders.
o Establish working relationships with client project teams which result in client satisfaction, operational excellence and thereby increase potential for repeat business.
o Aide in deriving a time estimates for defined projects/package of work.
o Directs preparation of reports, ensures compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements, and submits them to the client.
o Ensure that all raw data, documentation, protocols, specimens, and final reports are transferred to the archives during or at the close of the study.
Education
o Minimum Post-graduate qualification in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or related discipline.
o 1-2 years experience in a biopharmaceutical R&D environment or at an analytical CRO.
Salary: £22.5k-£32.5k pa according to qualifications and relevant experience.
To submit your covering letter and CV including details of your current/expected salary to Charlotte Hartley, please click the 'Apply Now' button. Closing date: 10th August 2012