Job Title: Scientist, Antibody Discovery
Location: Stevenage
Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you. 

About the role:

The Scientist, Antibody Discovery role will be focused on screening and subsequent characterisation of monoclonal antibodies using a range of assay technologies. 

As part of our Biologics, Discovery and Development (BDD) group, you will support the discovery of antibody candidates using our in vivo transgenic mouse discovery platform by applying next generation sequencing (NGS), in silico sequence analysis, various B-cell selection technologies, and hit/lead identification (screening). 

This is a really exciting opportunity to be part of an experienced team at LifeArc where we deliver scientific impact and a discovery pipeline for novel therapeutics in areas of unmet need. 

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, optimise and execute biochemical, biophysical and/or cell-based assays to support hit and lead identification. 
• Run screening campaigns and analyse, interpret and present high-quality scientific data with strong attention to integrity
• Contribute to antibody discovery activities, including NGS and sequence analysis, depending on experience. 
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, adhere to SOPs and utilise LIMS systems to ensure robust data management. 
• Innovate and improve existing screening platforms, methods and procedures through investigational work. 
• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional project teams, managing workload and meeting project timelines. 
• Stay scientifically current, sharing insights and contributing to a positive, inclusive and knowledge-driven team environment. 

(Essential) experience required: 

• Experience of working in a discovery setting for antibody-related modalities in an academic or industry setting
• Hands-on experience with developing and using various antibody screening technologies such as biochemical (e.g. ELISA, HTRF, AlphaLISA etc.), cell-based (reporter assays, flow cytometry) and biophysical (e.g. SPR) screening assays
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection methods

(Essential) Education: 

• PhD in a life science or relevant discipline or BSc/MSc Degree with relevant substantial laboratory experience in an outcome driven discovery setting

Desirable:

• Experience in high throughput methods and automation with associated data capture, handling and interpretation
• Molecular biology experience, including RNA handling, PCR, cloning, mutagenesis, sequence data analysis and vector design
• Experience with NGS antibody sequence analysis/familiarity with sequence analysis tools

Skills & abilities:

• Strong critical and analytical mindset with high attention to detail 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment

About us:

LifeArc is a not-for-profit life science organisation, leading the way for change in rare diseases in the UK and supporting promising initiatives in global health. We seek out research in areas of unmet need that has great potential, providing support to help it become breakthroughs that change lives.

What we can offer you:

Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of ‘putting patients at the centre of everything we do’. 

LifeArc is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Please note that in certain situations, such as high volumes of applications, it may not be practical to interview all eligible candidates. In these cases, we may need to select those who best meet the essential criteria. (At LifeArc, the Disability Confident Scheme’s ‘minimum criteria’ is referred to as ‘essential criteria’)

Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles. 

We all have potential. At LifeArc, you’ll discover what you can really do with it.

Agencies: We will only work with recruitment partners on our preferred supplier list and will not engage with speculative CVs submitted.