Current Vacancies

Maxion Therapeutics is developing innovative life-changing biologic medicines targeting ion channels and GPCRs, which are involved in a wide range of previously untreatable or poorly treated diseases.  Developing antibodies against ion channels has been a long-standing challenge, and despite significant efforts, no such therapeutic antibodies have been approved to-date. To overcome this challenge, Maxion developed the KnotBody® platform, where mini-proteins called knottins (natural modulators of ion channels and GPCRs) are fused into antibody binding domains. This technology merges millions of years of knottin evolution with cutting-edge antibody engineering, addressing pivotal challenges in ion channel/GPCR drug discovery.

Situated at Unity Campus in Cambridge, UK, Maxion Therapeutics fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment underpinned by our scientific founders. Led by our CEO, Dr Arndt Schottelius, our experienced leadership team comprises pioneers and key opinion leaders in antibody engineering field. Our co-founders, Dr John McCafferty (CTO) and Dr Aneesh Karatt Vellatt (CSO), previously co-founded IONTAS, and together invented KnotBody® technology. Dr McCafferty is renowned for co-inventing antibody phage display, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (awarded to his co-inventor Sir Gregory Winter), and co-founding Cambridge Antibody Technology.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist with deep expertise in Antibody/Protein engineering to join our KnotBody Engineering team. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the KnotBody Engineering, Protein Science and Assay Biology teams to develop KnotBody molecules with excellent potential to treat ion channel and GPCR-driven diseases. The successful candidate will play a key role in our drug discovery efforts and contribute to achieving our ambitious goals. We value individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to our agile and fast-paced work culture.

• Carry out KnotBody selection campaigns and ion channel GPCR antigens using phage or mammalian display
• To conduct screening campaigns to identify KnotBodies with improved binding, functional or biophysical properties
• To analyse, interpret and effectively communicate data verbally and in written form to team members
• To solve problems on a day-to-day basis
• To maintain accurate records of all work by completing laboratory notebooks on time, following Company procedures

The candidate will be a PhD graduate (or equivalent) with deep expertise in protein engineering.

Essential skills include‍

• Experience with one or more in vitro display technologies (phage, yeast, mammalian and ribosome display)
• Proficiency with binding, functional or developability assays for antibody/biologics characterisation
• 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
• Desire to work in a fast-paced environment and ability to meet deadlines

Beyond this core experience, one or more of the following skills will be advantageous

• Proficiency in antibody/biologics sequence analysis
• Post-PhD experience, preferably within biopharma companies
• Proven experience with relevant molecular biology techniques for designing and constructing protein libraries
• Familiarity with structural biology tools (e.g., PyMOL, Chimera, AlphaFold)
• Experience in ion channel or GPCR drug discovery

• A competitive salary based on experience
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous pension contribution, Private Life and Medical Insurance and participation in the company share option scheme
• 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 great on-site amenities (gym, shared facilities, and a café), offering 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 collaborative working environment within a friendly team

To apply for this position, click on the link to upload your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for this role, including your salary expectations.

Link to Bamboo: https://maxion.bamboohr.com/careers/40

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This is a permanent position.