Senior Scientist - Translational Assays

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Translational pharmacology

Reports to: Senior director translational pharmacology

Location: Oxford

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB                                                                                                                         

As a Senior Scientist - Translational Assays you will be an important part of the translational pharmacology team.  You will play a key role in delivering human relevant cell models and assay data for the characterisation of Evox’s platforms and pipeline in rare diseases.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Responsible for designing cell-based assays and delivering data to support project transition to in vivo and clinical studies
• Researching and sourcing the most relevant cells/cell models for Evox’s therapeutic pipeline
• Optimising cell culture methods to ensure they are sufficiently robust to deliver quality, decision-making data
• Design and validate assays across various techniques and subsequently utilise these to deliver key project data
• Collaborate with internal and external scientists to share and transfer protocols as necessary
• Role model the Company values and leadership behaviours, cultivating high performing and highly engaged teams
• Build strong working relationships with enabling functions, including Finance and Facilities

PERSON SPECIFICATION

It is expected the candidate will have significant experience of developing cell-based protocols and assays based on these.  They will be experienced across a variety of in vitro techniques covering functional and molecular end-points.  The candidate must have strong inter-personal skills and be confident in leading studies and communicating with the colleagues across disciplines.  They will be delivery focussed and comfortable working in an agile and team-oriented environment. 

Experience & knowledge

• PhD in a relevant biological discipline and significant experience in assay development, ideally from an industry setting
• Experience across diverse cell types (including cell lines, primary cells and stem cells) in 2D and 3D and a range of experimental end points (e.g. enzyme activity, ELISAs, microscopy)
• Knowledgeable about the latest developments in improved in vitro methods for translational drug discovery
• Ability to analyse, interpret and provide context for assay data
• Experience of working in rare diseases and/or liver or CNS diseases is highly desirable
• Experience of working with new drug modalities or advanced biological approaches particularly experience working with RNA or AAV genetic therapies is preferred
• An entrepreneurial attitude and able to work in a fast-paced and agile environment; self-motivated with a high level of attention to detail whilst keeping objectives in sight
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills including presenting complex scientific data, whilst appropriately targeting audiences

KEY BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES – ALL STAFF

People with Purpose – We are innovative and creative in the way we work and deliver. We treat each other with respect and dignity and work collaboratively to learn from each other’s strengths.

Driven to Deliver – We strive to deliver our objectives, and then look for our next challenge. We recognise our achievements and celebrate our successes.

Agile and Accountable – We respond to challenges impacting our progress and find creative and innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. We are brave and not afraid to change our approach to achieve a positive outcome in optimum time.

Candid and Constructive – We communicate with honesty and transparency throughout the team.  We value giving and receiving constructive feedback to each other and our partners.