Virus/Protein Purification Scientist

POSITION PURPOSE:
Department seeks to discover novel vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic) for the prevention and treatment of significant human disease using a variety of vaccine technology platforms combined with immunomodulatory agents. A scientist is required to develop and support vaccine platform production processes at the research scale. The candidate will have solid training and knowledge in mammalian cell culture and virus/protein purification. The candidate will be able to independently and proactively apply this knowledge in the design and execution of experimental work, to enable progression of vaccine discovery projects. The candidate will be required to work semi-independently and as a member of a team, be accountable for the critical appraisal of their results and present them for review, at specific project milestones. The role is laboratory based, and a major emphasis is placed upon laboratory training to increase the scope of practical abilities, as well as the theory behind such practical work.

JOB DUTIES:
Laboratory and related work (80-90% of time) under daily to weekly supervision.
Work with supervisor to define aim and a plan to achieve that aim, will then execute work following the plan (independently, if familiar with area of work, with guidance if unfamiliar).
Experimental design in consultation with supervisor, literature review, and increasing emphasis on independent design based on experience.
Will carry out on-going analysis of data generated and will identify problems. Will implement necessary changes following discussion with peers/supervisor.
Will analyze and interpret experimental data, results and methodology used with guidance.
Will gain skills and experience to be fully conversant with the operation and validation of all items of equipment or IT needed for experimentation, data analysis, storage and data entry.
Be able to review literature and suggest/apply to technical solutions to bioprocess problems of moderate complexity
Documentation.
Daily entry into electronic laboratory notebooks
Preparation of presentation materials.
Communication.
Regular 1:1 communication with supervisor and team colleagues.
Other colleagues within Department
Developing communication/presentation skills at internal meetings/poster sessions
Safe working and regulatory compliance.
Work safely themselves and be aware of EHS practices of other colleagues.
Completion of risk assessments, compliance training as required
Acts independently to maintain a safe and EHS compliant desk and workspace.

SKILLS:

TRAINING/EDUCATION:
BSs or MSc in biological sciences or biochemical/chemical engineering At least 1 year working in a laboratory in an academic or industrial setting.

EXPERIENCE IN MOST OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS ARE ESSENTIAL:
- protein/virus purification using chromatographic techniques (IEX, Affinity & SEC), experience with Unicorn based FPLC systems & tangential flow ultrafiltration and routine protein characterization techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, BCA etc)
- In addition, experience in adherent and suspension mammalian cell culture along with transient protein expression is desirable.

PREFERRED:
Experience in most or all of the following areas are essential:
- protein/virus purification using chromatographic techniques, experience with Unicorn based FPLC systems & tangential flow ultrafiltration
- In addition, experience in adherent and suspension mammalian cell culture along with transient protein expression is desirable.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:
Undergraduate Degree required with more than 1 year of hands on lab experience.
Protein/Virus purification using chromatographic techniques.