Senior BioChemist

Our Client is a Biotechnology company that is developing high throughput quantitative biochemical assays for the pharmaceutical industry.

The challenge for the holder of the Senior BioChemist position will be to lead a group of biologists in the development of high throughput protein kinase assays using the technology. The approach will require a dynamic flexible approach and the ability to interact with Chemists, Physicists and Engineers. The Senior Biochemist will lead and manage a team of biologists to deliver a series of technical goals with tight deadlines.

The Senior Biochemist will help refine and implement our Client’s biology development program to advance proof-of-concept demonstrations through to the delivery of commercial product. At the scientific level, the work will involve use of cutting edge techniques at the interface of synthetic biology, protein biochemistry and nanotechnology.

Main Functions of Post

• To develop quantitative protein kinase binding assays via the creation of molecular conjugates with synthetic oligonucleotides.
• To produce arrays of protein-kinase / DNA conjugates

   

   

   

   

  Job Description:

   

  ·        To refine and implement a technical plan to deliver arrays of tethered protein kinases

  ·        To coordinate and lead the activities of a group of Biologists with those of Chemists and Physicists/Engineers

  ·        Design and creation of protein/DNA conjugates using purified protein kinases

  ·        Production of protein kinases and protein kinase fusion proteins in cell free extracts, bacteria and mammalian cells

  ·        Quality control and testing of protein kinase activity and ATP binding.

   

   

   

   

  Person Specification

   

  Essential Criteria   Expertise/Competence/Skills

  Excellent knowledge and practical experience of protein purification

  Excellent knowledge and practical experience of protein conjugation

  Excellent knowledge of protein kinase biology

  Excellent knowledge of kinase inhibitor design/drug development

  Excellent organisational skills with a proven ability to prioritise and meet deadlines within the framework of an agreed programme. 

  Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    

  Qualifications (IT/Academic/Vocational)  

  A PhD in Biochemistry/Chemistry or other relevant equivalent research experience. 

   

  Experience

  A demonstrable history of practical laboratory work using protein kinases

  Experience of laboratory work in a biotechnology-based industry

  A working knowledge of protein purification techniques

   

  Specific Qualities (eg attitudes) Ambitious and committed to scientific excellence

  Committed to precision, accuracy and task completion. 

  Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision. 

  Flexible, responsible approach to working in a multi-tasking and multi-disciplinary environment. 

   

  Desirable Criteria

   

  Knowledge of array technologies