Job Title: Protein Purification Scientist

Hiring Manager: Sarah Hollingshead

Summary

CyanoCapture is a VC-backed biotech company from the University of Oxford, using the forefront of synthetic biology to make billion dollar drug precursor molecules from CO2 and light. The company is using the word’s fastest photosynthetic microbe discovered in 2020, that can rapidly absorb CO2 and convert this into recombinant peptides. CyanoCapture is looking to scale-up its proof-of-concept work to pilot trials in the UK, US, India and Portugal.

The first-of-a-kind technology has been backed by Shell, Elon Musk's XPRIZE 2021 and Innovate UK, alongside a number of VCs and private investors.

As the company is looking towards commercialisation in parallel to its final stages of technological development, we are seeking an ambitious individual to join the company as the Protein Purification Scientist to work on the protein purification methodology and high throughput screening of several novel high value recombinant protein producing strains. The successful candidate must be highly disciplined and capable of multitasking in an agile, fast-paced working environment with high stakes. To succeed in this role, the candidate must possess a can-do attitude whilst having clear judgment under pressure. They will assist the Principal Protein Purification Scientist and CTO/CSO in translating the R&D from bench-to-pilot and have a keen interest in being a part of the commercialisation journey for a brand new gamechanging technology for affordable biomanufacturing of critical drug molecules.

Join a fast-moving team

Awards: $4 million EU Horizon (2024), £600,000+ Innovate UK awards (2022 - 2024), $100,000 Shell New Energy Challenge (2022), $250,000 Elon Musk XPRIZE (2021), University of Oxford All Innovate (2021).

You will be working in a close-knit multidisciplinary R&D team to develop a first-of- its-kind technology. There are many challenges associated with innovation and the company is taking a big leap to attempt what others have failed to do, but what the world desperately needs. Your role will require you to bring your diverse technical expertise and apply it in a new field with many unknowns. This is not a typical job. This is a challenging, fast-paced

environment conducting high-risk high-reward scientific projects at breakneck speed. This role will suit an individual who thrives under pressure and is yearning for an opportunity to build something new in the world.

On a day-to-day basis, the role will involve mostly conducting laboratory projects to purify proteins and assay strains for expression of drug molecules of interest. You will be providing critical feedback to the Strain Engineering team and help with construct design based on knowledge of protein biochemistry. The mark of a good biologist for our team, is having the willingness to take risk, being unafraid to fail fast and constantly bringing new ideas to the table.

Characteristics

We are looking for the brightest and best scientists who flourish when given autonomy to generate ideas of their own. The kind of mindset motivated by the thrill of discovering new breakthroughs in synthetic biology and is willing to fail often and fast to get there. We are therefore only looking for exceptionally fast learners who are highly motivated by the

challenge of working in a fast-paced environment.

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This position is only open to candidates with a right to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor VISAs.

Responsibilities:

● Work in conjunction with the principal purification scientist to develop methods for purification of proteins from cyanobacteria.

● Implement and validate assays for the detection, quantification, and functional analysis of both protein and non-protein biomolecules.

● Employ analytical techniques for protein characterisation, including mass spectrometry, 2D electrophoresis, Western blotting, circular dichroism, thermal stability analyses and ELISA.

● Collaborate with molecular biologists on gene design for recombinant protein expression and host chassis engineering.

● Create tightly controlled and high quality manufacturing protocols once purification strategy has been developed

● Prepare and aliquot Minimum Viable Products in preparation for testing and eventual sale

● Analyze experimental data using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools, and present findings to internal teams and external collaborators

● Stay current with the latest advancements in protein purification, applying new methodologies and concepts to enhance research outcomes

● Maintain and procure purification-related lab equipment and consumables

Qualifications and Essential Skills:

● BSc/ Masters with three or more years relevant protein purification experience or PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology with a strong focus on protein purification.

● Minimum of three years hands-on experience in protein isolation, purification, and characterization techniques, including use of AKTA FPLC systems and software.

● Proficiency in protein analytical techniques including mass spectrometry, 2D electrophoresis, Western blotting, circular dichroism, thermal stability analyses and ELISA.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.

● Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proven ability to execute complex experiments.

● Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

● Knowledge of transfer of R&D to a manufacturing environment would be beneficial.

Desirable Skills

● Previous experience of working with photosynthetic organisms

● Knowledge of GMP documentation and quality management systems

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience + incentive structures

25 days of paid annual leave + Bank Holidays. Up to 14 days of optional unpaid leave.

Travel

You may be offered opportunities to travel abroad for short durations for business, presenting research at conferences or working on pilot projects.

**All candidates submitting a CV and cover letter, regardless of experience level or age, will be considered for this role.**