Scientist II or Senior Scientist - Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering Permanent Chesterford Research Park – Cambridge Never losing sight of our purpose At Mestag we truly believe in our values and live by them every day. We’re ambitious about our science and its potential to deliver meaningful therapeutics to the patients that need them most. We believe in a culture of diversity, equality and investing in people to ensure our talented and passionate team members can fulfil their full potential. We are now transitioning our lead programme into clinic - There has never been a better time to join TeamMestag Job Summary We are looking for a highly driven and motivated candidate to join our expanding team here at Mestag. Now bringing our Antibody Discovery in house, you will be key in supporting our antibody engineering activities across the early stages of Mestag antibody discovery programs. This opportunity will also contribute to the design of antibody discovery campaigns, molecule formats (including bispecific), sequence analysis and design, molecular biology and antibody production at CROs and in-house QC. Working closely with 2 highly experienced Program Leads, and some credible Principal Scientists, you will be key in helping to execute functional assays and assist in shaping the future of Mestag’s Antibody discovery Key Responsibilities To support antibody discovery programs during the immunisation, isolation, screening and selection of lead Abs using rational drug design. To drive the sourcing, production, design, QC and assessment of antigens, reagents and program tools using ELISA/Octet/SDS PAGE/SEC HPLC/Western Blot, including benchmark/tool antibodies and required cross species antigens. Undertake antibody sequence analysis, identifying antibody liabilities, framework mutations and interpret the data for antibody development. To set up key supporting assays to facilitate program development, ELISA/Octet/cELISA and utilise these assays during the programs to QC and assess antigens and antibodies. Responsibility for antibody affinity studies and program protein assessment and ligand binding QC Octet/Biacore. Liaise with external partners (CROs) if required to deliver to time and budget. Undertake additional lab-based experiments as required to drive forward program delivery, supporting the wider project team to meet program deadlines and milestones. Use a flexible approach when working within the antibody discovery team to achieve program goals in a timely manner. Be the antibody discovery functional lead on Mestag program(s). Apply teamwork and adaptability to go beyond the designated scope when required to deliver project goals set by the head of antibody discovery (supported by the program lead) Help identify risks and issues arising on managed activities (timeline, resource, or budget impacts) and help to create contingency plans in collaboration with the Head of Antibody Discovery and project teams. Present data clearly to project teams and ensure reporting of program progression, data readouts and status to the relevant audiences (internal and external stakeholders as required). Minimum Qualifications and Experience required A relevant life sciences degree (BSc Minimum) with industry experience within a Start- up Biotech or relevant industry. Experience or relevant knowledge within antibody engineering and display technology techniques. An understanding of antibody structure, sequence, bispecific engineering and Fc engineering Experience in Molecular Biology, ELISA and competition ELISA, Octet/SDS PAGE/SEC HPLC/Western Blot Ability to work in a collaborative style with colleagues and project teams within Mestag and with external partners (CROs and consultants). Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to help run team meetings and strong influencing skills. Highly organised with ability to prioritise work; works well under pressure to meet ambitious deadlines. Comfortable working in a very fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Experience of biologics drug discovery as well leadership of such projects in a matrix setting. Experience in affinity techniques such as Biacore and/or BLI In return we can offer you We work flexibly with a strong team spirit and offer a highly competitive total rewards package including competitive salaries, pension contributions, private medical insurance, income protection and more. We have access to a range of onsite facilities including a gym, canteen, golf course and free onsite parking. As a team we achieve great things each day, and we take the time to celebrate successes, share and learn. We value the relationships of our close-knit team and strive to make meaningful connections in our community. We frequently hold Town Halls and team lunches, and have an active social committee, organizing regular events and ‘giving back’ activities supporting charities close to our hearts. Whilst we would love to speak to every applicant, it is just not possible to do so. If your CV is of interest, we will always have an informal discussion with you prior to any interviews. This will be to answer any questions you may have. You will need to apply and send your CV in the first instance. We will also only accept CV’s sent via our secure link. About Mestag Therapeutics Mestag harnesses new insights into fibroblast-immune interactions to develop impactful treatments for patients. We are progressing a pipeline of sophisticated first-in-class antibodies designed to improve the lives of patients with cancer and inflammatory disease. Together with our collaboration partner MSD, we are also identifying novel targets for future therapies. We are based in spacious and modern laboratory and office facilities at Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK – right in the very heart of the UK life science sector. Our facilities are kitted out with state-of-the-art instruments to enable our dedicated researchers to deliver incredible science. Mestag is backed by committed leading global investors, has world-class founders and a highly experienced leadership team. Our founding investigators comprise global experts in inflammatory disease, cancer, computational biology and fibroblast biology from the University of Oxford, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. We are supported by leading life science investors SV Health Investors, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc., Forbion, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Northpond Ventures. Mestag is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and in 2021 was recognized on the Fierce 15 list of innovative biotechnology companies. For further information please visit our website www.mestagtherapeutics.com