Senior Molecular Biologist (1072218CM-R)

(Salary supplements may be available for candidates with outstanding credentials)

This senior level position will be held in the Centre for Cancer Immunology at Southampton General Hospital.  This is a newly constructed, dedicated research building that is the result of a significant fund-raising campaign. It builds on a 40 year history of pioneering immunology and cancer research at Southampton, and represents the first dedicated cancer immunology centre in the UK. The activities in this centre span from pioneering discovery science to applied research and preclinical modelling and, crucially, onto first-in-human clinical trials and beyond.  The centre houses world-class research facilities, including state-of-the-art scientific laboratories and a clinical trials unit.

The position is associated with the laboratory of Professors Ward and Ober who are relocating their research group from the USA to Southampton. Their interdisciplinary research program is dedicated to the use of protein engineering to develop novel antibody-based therapeutics that in the past has led to several therapeutics that are currently in advanced clinical trials. The group is also actively involved in the development of advanced microscopy techniques for the evaluation of novel therapeutics in cellular environments. Their interdisciplinary research is funded by major grants from the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and support from collaborating biopharma companies.

In this role, you will oversee the molecular biology/protein engineering operations of the Ward/Ober laboratory. You will be highly motivated and excited by the challenges involved in generating engineered antibodies using state-of-the-art approaches for use as therapeutics. You are expected to have a strong background in using molecular biology approaches related to protein/antibody engineering, including experience in recombinant protein expression and characterization using biophysical techniques. You will have the opportunity to learn new technologies, such as phage display, if they are not already familiar with such methods. An ability to independently manage research projects is also required.

You will also play a supervisory role, and will be responsible for the research activities of junior technicians in the protein engineering projects in the laboratory. The ability to train other members of the laboratory in molecular biology and protein engineering techniques is a requirement of the position. The overall goal of the research projects is to engineer antibodies or antibody-based proteins with modified dynamic behaviour at the cellular and whole body levels, and involves teamwork between laboratory members carrying out molecular and cellular analyses through to studies in mouse models of disease. You will therefore be expected to enjoy working as a team member who plays a central role in the research productivity of the group.

The position offers ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and pursuit of these will be actively encouraged and supported. For example, the research projects related to therapeutic development are closely aligned with the interests of biopharma, providing possibilities for close interactions with this sector.

Scientific knowledge and proven leadership in the areas described above equivalent to PhD. level, with significant additional experience is required. You should possess the relevant academic qualifications and work experience, as well as good IT skills.   

This position is expected to be one of the key long term positions in the Ward/Ober laboratory, with the initial time period of five years being limited by the term of current grant support.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor E. Sally Ward (e.sally.ward@gmail.com) or Professor Raimund J. Ober (raimund.ober@gmail.com)

Application procedure:

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Ita Holmes (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 238059 9002. Please quote reference 1072218CM on all correspondence.

The Faculty of Medicine holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. The Faculty recognises that applicants may seek flexible working patterns which will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For further information including key benefits designed to help maintain and support employees' well-being and work-life balance, please see our working with us website pages.

Closing Date: 02 Jan 2019
Post Type: Technical & Experimental