About the role
We are seeking an Applications Scientist to join our Applications team. Based in our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, this on-site, lab-based role will blend a strong background in proteomics and biochemistry with commercial acumen to demonstrate the value of Portal’s nanopore-based proteomics platform. You will have a deep technical understanding of the foundational work from our R&D teams and be able to connect that work with commercial opportunities by developing novel and robust protocols, reagents and kits on Portal’s platform.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan, perform and analyse laboratory-based proteomics experiments and protein purifications using a variety of advanced biochemical techniques, including nanopore electrophysiology, for which training will be given

• Understand complex projects with many interdependencies and ensure delivery to timelines

• Contribute to Portal’s intellectual property (IP)

• Regularly present updates to other teams at Portal and the Executive Team

• Contribute to Portal’s customer literature, including protocols, academic publications and white papers

• Engage with and understand the requirements of companies and academics as part of Portal’s Early Access Programme

• Keep up-to-date with developments in the field by reading literature and attending conferences. Some national and international travel may be required.

Experience

• Masters in Biochemistry and 1-2+ years’ industrial experience or PhD

• A strong theoretical background in molecular and cellular biochemistry, with direct experience in protein biochemistry, structural biology and enzymology

• Hands-on experience in a molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell biology laboratory setting, with exposure to a variety of biochemical assays and experiments

• Experience performing independent assay development and troubleshooting

• Comfortable in a fast-paced biotech environment, performing diverse and novel experiments, and integrating knowledge across a number of areas

• Strong analytical and presentational skills; comfortable engaging with audiences of different expertise and seniority

• Self-motivated, independent as an individual

• Hands-on experience of microbiological techniques, including the growth and manipulation of E. coli

• Hands-on experience of column-based protein purification (particularly Akta Go/Pure) is required for this role

Desirable

• Experience with single-molecule biophysics, such as fluorescence imaging or nanopores

• Knowledge of handling eukaryotic (human, yeast, plant) cell lines

• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry or in handling MS data

• Hands-on experience with programming (particularly Python), command-line interfaces, and/or machine learning/AI

• Hands-on experience with machine learning in a scientific setting

• Experience in automation and/or DoE

• Demonstrable evidence of success, such as publishing in relevant high- profile papers, speaking at international conferences, or contribution to IP

• Familiarity with quality management systems, e.g. ISO 9001

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are passionate about developing cutting-edge scientific tools and want to contribute to breakthrough innovations in proteomics, we encourage you to apply!

This role requires candidates to have full, unrestricted, and immediate right to work in the UK.