Job description Posted 28 November 2018

Description:

GlaxoSmithKline is a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry, dedicated to enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK is seeking to expand the use of biocatalysis as a cost effective tool for synthesising API starting materials and advanced intermediates. Specifically, this position is funded via our participation in an ERACoBioTech project “Methyl Transferases for the Functional Diversification of Bioactives: BioDiMet”( https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FR021643%2F1). This project aims to industrialise the synthetic use of methyltransferases with a focus on economic recylcing of cofactors (SAM and inter alia ATP). We are looking to hire a talented and motivated scientist on a fixed term (2y) basis to contribute to this project.

The role will be based in a new Advanced Manufacturing Technologies group. To be effective, the scientist will need to be creative, innovative, highly flexible and proactive, and exemplify strong collaborative working behaviours.

This is a highly practical role where you will be working primarily in the R&D laboratories as part of a multi disciplinary team implementing enzyme based technologies into novel chemical processes. You will be tasked to advance the project through proof of concept phases to deliver an evaluation of potential for industrialisation of the project enzyme classes (methyl transferases and co-factor recycling). The role is fast-paced and dynamic, you will thrive in this environment if you are able to effectively manage multiple priorities, communicate your recommendations clearly and enjoy working in teams.


Key job responsibilities:

This is a fixed term role to demonstrate the feasibility of industrial biocatalysis using co-factor dependent enzymes. As part of your role you will:

• Develop procedures to express multiple enzymes in a single or multiple hosts using appropriate expression constructs

• Develop appropriate assays (e.g. UPLC, LC/MS) to detect reaction intermediates and products

• Characterise the techno-economic performance of the various recombinant enzymes and approaches

• Work with chemistry teams to optimize the use of enzymes in chemical routes

• Compile, analyze, interpret and communicate key data

• Communicate with international academic partners of the BioDiMet project

• Ensure compliance with all GSK R&D data integrity practices, ethics codes, standards and training, and safety training and practice

• Protein purification and characterization skills.

Much of the work, if successfully executed, will be publishable so this position would be well suited to a candidate with a publication track record looking to extend their research in an industrial environment.


Basic qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in biochemistry or chemistry with relevant experience in a variety of assay methodologies. A strong knowledge of biochemical reactions and the application of analytical techniques to monitor these reactions is essential


Preferred qualifications:

• Broad experience in Synthetic Biology or Industrial Biotechnology and application to biocatalysis to produce fine/speciality/pharmaceutical chemicals

• Demonstrated hands-on and practical ability in developing and using suitable analytical methods (UPLC, Optical fluorescent/absorbance assays etc)

• A demonstrated ability to meet agreed objectives and timelines

Experience:

• Experience in biotacatalysis and use of enzymes to carry out chemical reactions; experience in optimisation of enzymatic reactions is highly desirable

• Experience of expression of recombinant enzymes in bacterial systems is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience in performing and developing enzymes assays to quantify enzyme activity (microtitre plate, HPLC, LC-MS, GC-MS)

• A track record of clear, concise and effective communication. Can prepare and present oral presentations and posters for internal/external audiences

• Strong inter-personal skills

• Demonstrated ability to effectively leverage the literature and/or internal or external experts, interpret data, recommend or execute creative options and communicate findings clearly and concisely to project team

Additional information about the process

All profiles will be reviewed against the required skills and experience. Due to the high number of applications, we will only be able to respond to successful applicants in the first instance. We thank you for your interest and the time taken to apply.