Job Description
General Summary:
We are currently seeking a self-motivated and experienced protein biochemist to join the Protein, Cell and Structural Sciences group at our Oxford site (Milton Park).
This position provides the candidate with an opportunity to learn and develop skills in drug discovery in a patient-focused environment .
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong hands-on experience of protein production from multiple expression systems, and purification of challenging targets such as protein complexes and/or membrane proteins.
A key feature of this role is an ability to critically assess the scientific literature, and to design and run your experiments independently.
Experience in a broad range of biophysical or biochemical techniques, preferably using high throughput methods, and/or experience with either X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM would also be an advantage.
You will be part of a high impact team advancing drug discovery through application of protein biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology techniques. You will be working collaboratively with multiple interdisciplinary teams both in the UK and globally.

Key responsibilities

• Purification of proteins and other macromolecules for structural studies, biophysics and high throughput assays
• Biophysical and biochemical studies of macromolecules using a range of methods for direct binding and small molecule modulator development.
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry, molecular structure and wider role of each target in disease through critical analysis of the literature, working closely with our disease biology teams.

Key requirements

Essentials

• Ph.D. level (or equivalent experience) Biochemist or Biologist with extensive laboratory experience from similar roles in the pharmaceutical industry and/or in academia.
• A track record of delivering high impact results in protein science within academic or pharmaceutical industry settings as demonstrated through a strong publication history, supported by evidence of individual contributions to projects.
• Practical experience of recombinant protein expression in several platforms including mammalian (stable and transients), insect cells or E.coli.
• Strong practical experience in protein purification including IMAC, IEC, SEC, IEX, HIC, fusion protein cleavage technologies, use of AKTA system-based chromatography.
• Strong interpersonal and troubleshooting skills.

Desirable

• Familiarity with high-throughput methods for assessing protein expression and purification yields and quality is desired.
• Experience in the use of a range of biophysical methods, particularly in the context of assessing small molecule target engagement and/or experience with structural biology methods is an advantage.
• Experience with either X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM or cryoET
• Excellent record keeping, communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrable leadership for promoting innovation in those techniques and demonstrable abilities to troubleshoot problems as they arise.

LI-SM2

LI-Onsite

Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.co

• Purification of proteins and other macromolecules for structural studies, biophysics and high throughput assays
• Biophysical and biochemical studies of macromolecules using a range of methods for direct binding and small molecule modulator development.
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry, molecular structure and wider role of each target in disease through critical analysis of the literature, working closely with our disease biology teams