Scientist, Biology

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

Job Description: Scientist, 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 talented and innovative laboratory-based Scientist, Biology to join our team.

Role Description Summary
NeoPhore is seeking an experienced, independent, highly motivated, rigorous, and resilient cancer cell biologist, with a strong desire to contribute to the progression of the understanding of a novel drug discovery field, through outstanding technical expertise. Evidence for a flexible and cooperative approach to working in a dynamic, collaborative and multi-disciplinary team environment, together with strong team ethic, are essential.

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. 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 Scientist, Biology will be responsible for executing impactful cancer cell biology, drug discovery and clinical positoning research, including:

• Characterisation of Neophore’s key compounds, including mechanism-of-action studies
• Supporting NeoPhore’s preclinical studies in collaboration with partner CROs
• Biomarker discovery and validation
• Selecting appropriate cellular models
• Unravelling MMR-Biology
• Assess and summarise literature findings to identify technical solutions and support project progression
• Work collaboratively within a matrix environment
• Analyse and interpret experimental results using data analysis software tools
• Communicate and present scientific data in a timely fashion to contribute maximum impact to project strategy and decision-making
• 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 5 years’ experience in cancer cell biology and/or working in a CRO/Biotech developing cell-based assays and screening/characterizing compounds in cell-based assays
• Experience in bioscience research in the biotech or pharmaceutical drug discovery sectors
• Previous experience of running cell-based assays and/or characterizing compounds within a drug discovery setting
• Successful exemplification of high-quality scientific achievement
• Good knowledge of small molecule translational research
• Previous involvement in biomarker discovery and implementation
• Strong collaboration skills
• Knowledge of DDR and/or cell cycle cancer biology (preferable)

Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences – ideally, cancer cell biology

Skills

• Well-trained, experienced, independent and expert in Cell Biology and Biochemistry - comprehensive experience using mammalian cell culture
• High level of proficiency in lab-based cell biology activities
• 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 development & optimization
• Ability to design, execute, analyse, and interpret experiments under limited supervision to defined project timelines
• Evidence for excellent, concise oral and written communication skills; for example oral presentation of key findings, on a Teams call with various members of the team – this is critical in the context of a virtual operational mode
• Attention to detail, 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
• 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, …)
• An approach to work with enthusiasm and an active desire to learn and develop
• 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.