Research Associate, Biology

NeoPhore is seeking applications for a highly self-motivated, rigorous, and dedicated Research Associate to join its biology team based in South London.

Job Description: Research Associate, Biology

Company Description
NeoPhore is a biotech company targeting the dynamics of cancer neoantigen evolution to discover effective, well-tolerated medicines that will provide the next generation of cancer immunotherapies. NeoPhore collaborates closely with many academic and commercial organisations, including NeoPhore’s scientific founders Professor Alberto Bardelli and Dr Giovanni Germano at the University of Turin and Milan.

NeoPhore currently has 10 full time employees and operates a mainly virtual drug discovery model. We have a Cancer Cell Biology (CCB) laboratory based at City St George’s University, in South London led by NeoPhore’s Principal Scientist, Biology. As the work undertaken at the CCB lab has continued to progress and develop at pace, an opportunity has arisen for a laboratory-based Research Associate, Biology to join our team.

Role Description Summary
NeoPhore is seeking an experienced, independent and rigorous Research Associate with a cell biology background, preferably in the cancer field, for laboratory-based work. The successful individual will have a strong desire to contribute to the progression of the understanding of a novel drug discovery field, through outstanding technical expertise. For this role, the selected individual will be performing predominantly cell-based studies, as part of a pre-agreed experimental plan.

Important aspects of this role are the ability to work and to communicate effectively with team members and internal stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds. Evidence for a flexible and cooperative approach to working in a dynamic and collaborative team environment, together with strong team ethic, are essential. The ideal candidate will possess a strong desire to work in a fast-moving small molecule-focused translational research environment and needs to be highly self-motivated and organised. The position is based in NeoPhore’s CCB laboratory in London (UK).
We believe that NeoPhore offers the successful candidate an opportunity to develop their skills and depth of expertise in drug discovery, in the vibrant field of immuno-oncology.

Objectives and Responsibilities of this Role
NeoPhore’s Research Associate, Biology will be responsible, through their technical expertise, for performing impactful cancer cell biology, drug discovery and clinical positioning research, including the support of:

• Cancer research / drug discovery effort by performing cell culture and some basic biochemistry/molecular biology methods
• NeoPhore’s preclinical studies in collaboration with partner CROs
• Characterisation of Neophore’s compounds
• Cellular model identification, characterisation and testing
• Data analysis and presentation in a timely fashion
• Communicate and provide relevant updates to the Principal Scientist, Biology
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic lab book to the highest standards
  The data produced is expected to make a significant impact to NeoPhore’s understanding of the MMR pathway and the discovery of small molecule therapeutics.

Previous experience required for this Role

• Over 3 years’ experience performing research in cell-based assays and/or cell biology, ideally in cancer research
• Evidence for independent contribution to technical problem solving as well as troubleshooting cell-based assays
• Successful exemplification of high-quality technical achievement
• Strong collaborative skills
• Good understanding of small molecule translational research
• Experience in bioscience research in the biotech or pharmaceutical drug discovery sectors

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in cell biology, ideally within the field of cancer research

Skills

• Well-trained, experienced, independent and expert in cell culture and basic biochemistry & molecular biology (e.g. Western Blot, PCR, DNA extraction) - comprehensive experience using mammalian cell culture required
• Natural ability for troubleshooting technical issues
• Team player at heart with excellent inter-personal skills for building and maintaining good working relationships both within the NeoPhore team and with partner CROs and collaborators.
• Diligent and pro-active in contributing to lab maintenance (lab duties, orders, cell banking, …)
• Evidence for excellent, concise oral and written communication skills
• Highly organised with evidence for successful time-management and an ability to work towards tight deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure
• Active listening skills that enable effective implementation of plans agreed with line manager and in team discussions
• Good understanding of (cell-based) screening methodologies and practical experience thereof
• Good understanding of drug discovery assay cascades and the meticulous requirements for successful cell-based assay output
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation in translational research
• Willingness to learn new skills
• A “can do” attitude and be flexible in a fast-paced environment

Appointment Details:
The full-time position is lab-based and will be located within NeoPhore’s internal Cancer Cell Biology laboratory facilities, based at City-St George’s University, London, UK, and reporting to the Principal Scientist, Biology. Compensation package to be agreed according to qualifications, including competitive salary, as well as benefits