Display Technologies Scientist
T-Cypher Bio is an early-stage, innovative biotechnology company aiming to unlock an expansive target space to build a pipeline of novel, T-cell receptor (TCR)-based therapeutics. We are seeking a highly motivated Display Technologies Scientist with a strong background in directed evolution methods and screening of protein binders to advance our platform development as part of the TCR engineering team.
What you will do
The primary focus of this role will be to execute experiments for the screening & characterization of recombinant TCR proteins and/or antibody-like bispecific molecules. The ideal candidate should have hands on experience in directed evolution and display technologies (yeast and/or mammalian surface display) for screening high affinity binders showing good developability properties as well as demonstrate a strong understanding of TCR/Ab engineering and molecular biology-based methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and generate DNA libraries (such as scanning library, degenerate codon libraries, NNK libraries, and CDR-shuffled libraries) for the screen of TCRs with improved properties
• Design and execute panning strategies for selection (including negative using beads and positive using FACS) of TCRs with improved properties
• Design and execute DNA sequencing methods for analysis of enriched libraries and for linking genotype/phenotype of hits
• Express and screen TCR proteins with improved properties using directed evolution methods, display technology systems and flow cytometry
• Characterize soluble TCR proteins using various biochemical and biophysical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC, CD, DLS, DSF, SPR and Octet BLI
• Design and execute cloning strategies based on established molecular biology techniques such as HiFi assembly or restriction enzyme-based approaches
• Influence group and project meetings, offering scientific insights and expertise to advance research projects
• Prioritisation of personal workloads and coordination of scientific work streams and processes
• Analyse and record experimental result and communicate findings to the team and to management
• Maintain and implement good laboratory practices, including accurate laboratory notebook systems, instrument and reagent maintenance, and personnel safety precautions

To be successful you will need

• A PhD in synthetic biology, protein engineering, molecular immunology, or related field
• At least 2 years relevant industrial or post-doc experience with a focus on directed evolution and/or synthetic biology
• Hands on experience in eukaryotic display technologies such as Yeast or mammalian cell display as well as FACS sorting
• Hands on experience in DNA library build (including scanning, degenerate codon, NNK, and CDR-shuffled combinatorial libraries) and sequencing (including Sanger, NGS, Nanopore etc)
• Hands on experience in biochemical techniques for the characterization and affinity measurement of proteins e.g. SEC, HPLC, CD, DLS, DSF, SPR & Octet BLI
• Expertise in expression of recombinant protein in mammalian cells (e.g. CHO, HEK) and in other relevant expression systems
• Expertise in techniques for production and yield optimisation of challenging soluble proteins
• Analysing & presenting results in a concise and accurate manner to the wider team
• Knowledge of the TCR-therapeutic landscape is desirable
• Ability to adapt to multiple roles in a matrixed, fast-paced and evolving company
• Enjoy working towards challenging goals in a fast-moving environment
• Ability to follow and write protocols and SOPs
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)

What we offer
Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Modern, well-equipped office and laboratory facilities on Oxford Science Park.
Training and development opportunities in-line with the company’s goals and growth plans.
An exciting opportunity to help establish an early-stage biotech with ambitions to impact patients’ lives.
How to apply
Applications will be evaluated in the order that they are received, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications will close once the position is filled.

• Design and generate DNA libraries (such as scanning library, degenerate codon libraries, NNK libraries, and CDR-shuffled libraries) for the screen of TCRs with improved properties
• Design and execute panning strategies for selection (including negative using beads and positive using FACS) of TCRs with improved properties
• Design and execute DNA sequencing methods for analysis of enriched libraries and for linking genotype/phenotype of hits
• Express and screen TCR proteins with improved properties using directed evolution methods, display technology systems and flow cytometry
• Characterize soluble TCR proteins using various biochemical and biophysical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC, CD, DLS, DSF, SPR and Octet BLI
• Design and execute cloning strategies based on established molecular biology techniques such as HiFi assembly or restriction enzyme-based approaches
• Influence group and project meetings, offering scientific insights and expertise to advance research projects
• Prioritisation of personal workloads and coordination of scientific work streams and processes
• Analyse and record experimental result and communicate findings to the team and to management
• Maintain and implement good laboratory practices, including accurate laboratory notebook systems, instrument and reagent maintenance, and personnel safety precaution