About Maxion Maxion Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing antibody-based drugs for previously untreatable ion channel- and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-driven diseases, including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and cardiovascular disease. The Company is developing a pipeline of potentially first- and best-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary KnotBody technology to generate potent, selective, and long-acting therapeutics by combining naturally occurring mini-proteins (‘knottins’) with antibodies using state-of-the-art phage and mammalian display technologies. Maxion was founded in 2020 by highly respected biotech entrepreneurs and scientists Dr John McCafferty, CTO, and Dr Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt, CSO. Dr McCafferty previously co-invented antibody phage display, which was the subject of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter. Maxion’s portfolio and growth is being advanced by a team of highly experienced leaders in the discovery and development of antibody-based drugs. The Company is based near Cambridge, UK and is backed by international blue-chip investors. For more information, please visit: https://www.maxiontherapeutics.com/ About the role We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Associate Scientist/Research Scientist to join Maxion’s Discovery Engineering team. The successful candidate will support Maxion’s growing pipeline of KnotBody drug discovery projects, working across all aspects of biologics discovery, from early hit identification, through to screening and optimisation. The role will be predominantly lab-based and require an innovative approach to problem solving, with a willingness to adopt and adapt to new ideas and techniques. We are committed to a culture of collaboration, so all staff are strong team players with excellent communication skills. Applicants will be comfortable with our nimble, start-up culture and fast-paced, dynamic working environment. Key responsibilities Generation of DNA constructs and libraries to support KnotBody discovery programmes Identification of KnotBodies targeting challenging proteins by phage display High throughput expression and purification of KnotBodies/antibodies using mammalian expression systems Characterisation and QC of KnotBodies/antibodies using biochemical techniques (SDS-PAGE, AC-SINS, etc) Screening KnotBodies for activity using techniques such as ELISA and flow cytometry Analysis, interpretation and effective communication of data verbally and in written form to team members Solving problems on a day-to-day basis Maintaining accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time following Company procedures Essential skills Proven experience within a molecular biology laboratory environment. Candidates with experience in molecular biology, flow cytometry, phage display or cell line generation are preferred. Attention to detail, rigorous scientific thinking and commitment to quality Excellent written and oral communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative working relationships Ability to meet deadlines Technical skills as outlined in Candidate profiles Candidate profiles Associate Scientist Either a BSc (plus relevant experience in academia or industry) or an MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field. Hands-on experience with any one of the following; molecular biology techniques, flow cytometry, immunoassays or phage display is essential. Additional experience in tissue culture is highly desirable. Scientist A PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field, or equivalent experience. Ability to work independently on short molecular biology projects is essential. Additional experience with flow cytometry, immunoassays, tissue culture or display technologies (e.g. phage, yeast, or mammalian display) is highly desirable. What we offer you A competitive salary based on experience A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, participation in the Company Share Option Scheme, and more Significant opportunities for career progression within a dynamic company Located in a state-of-the art Science Park with easy access to Cambridge by car, train and bus, and offering on-site gym, cafe, and a vibrant social community Working alongside an innovative team of scientists, including the founders, who are Key Opinion Leaders in the field A supportive work environment with a key focus on fostering a collaborative working environment within a friendly team This is a permanent position. Agencies: We are recruiting this role directly with our in-house talent team, so do not need support from agencies. We also have our own preferred suppliers list which is not being reviewed for additions in the next 12 months.