About the role
We are seeking a Senior Applications Scientist to join our Applications team at Portal. Based at our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, this is an on-site, lab-based role combining expertise in single-molecule biophysics, biochemistry and proteomics with commercial awareness to demonstrate the value of Portal’s nanopore-based proteomics platform. The role will focus on developing robust protocols, reagents and kits, supporting sample preparation workflows, and advancing the enzymes and nanopores that underpin Portal’s Strand protein sequencing technology. We are looking for someone with strong scientific leadership, experience mentoring junior scientists in protein biochemistry, and the adaptability, curiosity and attention to detail needed to quickly develop expertise in new technologies and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

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

• Develop new application areas for Portal’s platform by identifying promising use cases, designing experimental approaches, and generating data to assess technical feasibility and customer value

• Design, optimise and validate new workflows, protocols, reagents and kits to support emerging applications in protein analysis and sequencing

• Work across scientific and commercial teams to translate customer needs, internal platform capabilities and external scientific developments into new applications opportunities

• Manage complex projects with multiple interdependencies, ensuring high-quality delivery against timelines

• Contribute to the development of Portal’s intellectual property

• Present scientific updates regularly to cross-functional teams and the Executive Team

• Own and maintain elements of Portal’s external scientific literature, including protocols, academic publications and white papers

• Engage with academic and industry partners in Portal’s Early Access Programme to understand user requirements and help shape applications development

• Stay up to date with scientific and technological developments through literature review and conference attendance; some national and international travel may be required

• Express, purify and characterise proteins for use in Portal’s nanopore applications as needed

• Train and mentor junior scientists within the Applications team

Experience

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in Biochemistry or a related discipline, ideally with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience post-postdoc or 5 years post-PhD; candidates without a PhD should have equivalent relevant industrial experience

• Strong theoretical and practical expertise in molecular and cellular biochemistry, with demonstrable experience in biophysics, protein biochemistry, structural biology and enzymology

• Proven ability to lead laboratory-based projects, through technical leadership, line management and/or high-impact first-author publications

• Experience developing and troubleshooting protein-based assays independently from first principles

• Comfortable and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving biotech environment, with the ability to integrate knowledge across multiple scientific areas

• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging audiences of varying technical backgrounds and seniority

• Highly self-motivated and able to work independently, while contributing effectively as part of a team

• Working knowledge of a broad range of protein extraction, conjugation and manipulation methods, as well as post-translational modifications including phosphorylation and glycosylation

• Hands-on experience with FPLC-based protein purification, such as ÄKTA Pure systems

Desirable

• Experience in single-molecule biophysics, such as fluorescence imaging or nanopore electrophysiology

• Knowledge of culturing and handling eukaryotic cell lines, including human, yeast or plant systems

• Hands-on experience in laboratory automation, particularly high-throughput cloning and/or expression workflows

• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry or analysis of mass spectrometry data

• Experience with analytical HPLC

• Hands-on experience with programming in scientific settings, particularly Python, Bash CLI and/or machine learning or AI tools

• Familiarity with quality management systems, such as 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.