Research Associate - Cell Line and Exosome Production Team

Evox Therapeutics is a privately held, Oxford-based biotechnology company focused on harnessing and engineering the natural delivery capabilities of extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, to develop an entirely new class of therapeutics. Backed by leading life sciences venture capital groups and supported by a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio, Evox’s mission is to positively impact human health by creating novel exosome-based therapeutics for the treatment of various severe diseases with limited options for patients and their families. Evox has created substantial proprietary technology to modify exosomes using various molecular engineering, drug loading, and targeting strategies to facilitate targeted drug delivery to organs of interest, including the brain and the central nervous system. Exosome-based drugs have the potential to address some of the limitations of protein, antibody and nucleic acid-based therapies by enabling delivery to cells and tissues that are currently out of reach using other drug delivery technologies, and Evox is leading the development within this emerging therapeutic space.

For further information visit: www.evoxtherapeutics.com

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Research & Development

Reports to: Group Leader, Cell line and Exosome Production Team

Direct Reports: N/A

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

Please note we are only able to progress with candidates who have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Research Associate/Scientist to join our Cell Line and Exosome Production Team to contribute to the generation of new cell lines and production of exosomes to support Research and Development activities. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pivotal team responsible for the development of a new class of biotherapeutic products.

We are looking for an individual who will thrive in a start-up and agile environment and is able to deliver high quality cell lines and exosome preparations, supporting all of our Research activities and who will relish the sense of accomplishment each day brings in our exciting company. Working in a close-knit team of mammalian cell culture, upstream and downstream production specialists, the successful applicant will contribute to both the generation and maintenance of mammalian cell lines and the generation, purification and analytics of our exosome products. The role will also involve the dissemination of data and information through the organisation and beyond by updating of results both internally and externally.

Contributing to multiple projects running simultaneously, the individual will have good self-organisational skills, as well as a strong sense of teamwork.

This position is based at Evox Therapeutics facility at the Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK and reports to the Group Leader, Cell line and Exosome Production Team.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Plan and execute upstream/downstream unit operations for cell line generation and exosome production to support Research activities.
• Prepare equipment and materials to support internal production activities.
• Perform process monitoring, in-process/final product analysis.
• Record and report data accurately, perform statistical analysis of data in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform equipment calibrations and maintenance according to established protocols, prepare equipment, process and method SOP’s as required.
• Ensure all production activities are performed safely (generation of COSHH and risk assessments).
• Responsible for the rigorous documentation of research methods and results, as well as development and optimization of protocols and procedures.
• Highlight operational and scientific/technical issues relating to processes and workplans that can impact the timely delivery of materials.
• Collaborative participation in internal and external project teams, contributing to reports and presentations, patent applications, and regulatory documentation and filings, under appropriate guidance.
• Work in close partnership with our CMC teams, ensuring best practice and optimal processes.

• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment, working to Risk Assessments & COSHH, and compliance to GLP and GMO/ACDP requirement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education and Qualifications:

• PhD or BSc/MSc in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Candidates ideally will be experienced in mammalian cell culture and downstream production methods.
• Good conceptual, analytical thinking, problem solving, and organisational skills.
• Ability to be self-motivated and work in a high paced team environment, meet deadlines, and prioritise work from multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and projects at the same time and be able to change priorities as needed by the business.
• Strong collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently.
• Proven communication & interpersonal skills with experience managing and presenting complex scientific data.
• Attentive to detail and dedicated to quality and compliance.

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• BSc/MSc with experience gained in a laboratory environment or gained through BSc/MSc research project.
• Knowledge of mammalian cell line development, culture and/or downstream purification.
• Experience in upstream, and protein expression, from cell thaw through to primary recovery up to 18 L. This would preferably have been gained working with protein biologics and/or viral vectors.
• Desire to learn and explore new science.
• Understanding of the theory and basics of cell biology or protein biochemistry or biomedical analysis.
• Will have an entrepreneurial attitude and able to work in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Proven experience in pharmaceutical and/or biotech industry.
• Ideally experience in mammalian cell transfection, exosome purification and analytics.