Bio Engineering

Principal/Senior Scientist – Bio Engineering (Protein Engineering)

Pencil Biosciences is a seed stage biotech company creating and developing a novel, synthetic, non-CRISPR gene modulation platform that has the potential to modulate the DNA of any cell with applications in therapeutics, diagnostics and cell engineering.

By combining advances from various fields of modern science such as cutting-edge synthetic biology, supramolecular synthetic chemistry and macromolecular interaction physics, we are determined to reinvent genome editing from the ground up.

Pencil is based at Alderley Park, Cheshire and is entering a growth phase having recently secured substantial additional seed funding and an Innovate UK grant.

We are seeking a bio engineer (with a focus on protein engineering) to join the growing Pencil team. If you enjoy the challenge of developing a truly innovative technology in an exciting cutting edge field and have lots of initiative and perseverance, this will be an attractive opportunity for you.

Job specific skills and educational requirements:

Essential

· High level of interest in gene editing technologies

· PhD in life sciences with 5-10 years of experience in protein engineering and directed evolution;

· Candidates are expected to have strong knowledge and hands on experience in in vitro and/or in vivo directed evolution of proteins (preferably enzymes or antibodies)

· Solid foundational knowledge of protein biochemistry and how to manipulate systems to attenuate or enhance properties.

· Good working knowledge of molecular biology approaches including various cloning strategies (e.g. Golden gate / Gateway)

· Strong communicator and able to work within a close-knit results driven team

· Experienced problem-solver and able to autonomously find solutions

· Basic working knowledge of next generation sequencing (NGS)

Desirable

· Knowledge in computational biology techniques such as protein structure prediction and data mining

· Experience in a startup or an industry environment

· High-throughput screening approaches and experience in library generation, manipulation and assay readouts; such as RNA display, phage display or yeast-based protein evolution

· Experience in various protein expression and purification techniques (preferably using prokaryotic and eukaryotic host cells but also in vitro translation)

· Knowledge in enzyme kinetics and binding assays, including other biophysical characterisation techniques (e.g. SPR, ITC)

· First-hand experience with miniature/artificial enzyme protein engineering

· Utilised protein:nucleic acid (e.g. aptamer) or ligand-based technologies is a plus

This position will appeal to individuals looking for the challenge of building a technology and platform from the ground up. We are looking for people who can slot into the current team and take on key responsibilities to drive the technology development forward with enthusiasm.

Benefits:

· Competitive salary.

· Company stock options.

· Private Medical Insurance.

· Intellectually stimulating working environment.

· An opportunity to learn both business and science.

· Excellent growth opportunities – you grow along with the company.

How to apply:

Please mail your CV along with a cover letter to [email protected].

Location:

Our office and lab facilities are located in the Alderley Park, Cheshire, an established life science campus south of Manchester in beautiful Cheshire, which is in close proximity to the Peak District, Lake District and Snowdonia. In addition to the world class laboratory and office facilities, Alderley Park offers a multitude of recreational amenities including gym, trails, pubs, restaurants and cafes etc. More information about this site can be found at www.alderleypark.co.uk.