Kinomica is a precision medicine company that is developing next-generation diagnostic tests to help clinicians prescribe the right drug, for the right patient, at the right time. We acquire large, high-quality phosphoproteomics datasets from clinical samples using our state-of-the-art KScan® platform; through which, we were the first to demonstrate that phosphoprotein signatures can be predictive of drug response in a clinical setting (see our profile in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d43747-022-00013-9).
We are seeking a talented Scientist to support the development of clinical assays for biomarkers arising from Kinomica’s phosphoproteomics biomarker discovery platform. The candidate will be involved in a variety of projects that aim to expand Kinomica’s portfolio of proteomic and phosphoproteomic assays, and to develop these into new clinical products. The ideal candidate for this role will have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field with expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis and/or developing clinical assays.
This role will be based full time at Alderley Park, Macclesfield, and will have responsibilities to both the sample preparation technical team and a newly formed product development team aiming to take biomarkers identified in Kinomica’s R&D work and develop a regulated, mass spectrometry-based targeted assay deployable to clinical labs.
Responsibilities
Laboratory management
* Record test data. Reports and maintain test logs.
* Provide support and work alongside the laboratory staff, undertaking routine tasks essential to the smooth running of the lab.
* Handling and management of samples, including organising storage and safe disposal.
Biomarker discovery and method development
* Perform KScan® analysis of clinical samples to identify new biomarkers for emerging drugs of interest to Kinomica and our clinical collaborators.
* Coordinate with management and other members of the technical team so that sample analyses are scheduled and performed in a timely manner, and projects are parallelised for time efficiency as best as possible.
* Contribute by assisting with non-LC/MS/MS aspects of projects, including experimental design, sample preparation optimisation and automation, and data interpretation.
* Work as part of Kinomica’s technical team, being supportive and covering duties as necessary during colleagues’ absences and at times of additional pressure, as directed.
* To make process improvements and project efficiencies wherever possible and to contribute freely to the team environment in a manner conducive to the success of company goals.
Development of clinically applicable assays
* Assist with the development of targeted LC-MS methods to accurately and robustly quantify phosphopeptide biomarkers arising from Kinomica’s R&D work.
* Devise strategies for normalisation and quality control to ensure tests are accurate, reproducible and reliable and to ensure we adhere to the relevant quality standards.
* Work with the product development team and quality manager to ensure appropriate systems, monitoring and documentation is in place during development of a test which can ultimately be relied upon to aid patient treatment decision making.
* Author and/or contribute to regulatory submissions, technical protocols and reports.
The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the jobholder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the level of the role, as reasonably requested by their manager.
Qualifications and experience
Essential
* PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant or STEM-based subject.
* Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and lead experiments and analyses.
* Knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of biochemical and molecular biological systems.
* Experience in sample preparation using proteomic workflows for LC-MS/MS analysis.
* Ability to work to timelines.
* Excellent communication skills and teamwork skills.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Ability to contribute to the team success.
* A high degree of personal motivation and a willingness to learn new skills, take on challenges and undertake relevant training.
Non-essential, but added advantage
* Experience with quality management systems and documentation.
* Expertise developing clinical assays utilising LC-MS/MS proteomic technologies.
* Experience working to ISO 15189, CLIA or working in a similar regulated environment.
* Knowledge of medical device design control processes.
* Experience working with multiple sample types (e.g. cell lines, blood, solid tissue).