Protein Chemist-Biconjugation Specialist

About Antikor

Antikor Biopharma is developing a unique and innovative class of Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapy called Fragment Drug Conjugates (FDCs). FDCs offer potential benefits over larger ADCs in the treatment of solid tumours due to their rapid penetration, delivery of high amounts of cytotoxic payload and fast clearance from normal tissues, resulting in better tolerability and a high therapeutic index. Antikor has developed their technology platform and are developing first oncology products in areas of high clinical unmet need.

Recent deals in the ADC area demonstrates how established this technology has become and how valuable this emerging area is. Antikor’s more advanced and focussed approach creates a major opportunity to bring differentiating products for solid cancers into clinical development. 

In 2022, Antikor secured a major government grant and new investment to continue developing products for gastric cancer other solid tumours. The Company also expects to hit key milestones in 2022-3 to enable it to further expand and consolidate the team to work with pharmaceutical company partners and on further projects. Hence these are exciting and progressive times for Antikor!

General duties

• Maintain a high level of knowledge and skills in technical R&D areas related to chemical payloads, antibodies and Antibody-drug conjugates
• Communicate technical knowledge both internally and externally, with staff and collaborators at internal meetings, presentations and conferences
• Carry out laboratory R&D using Good Laboratory and Safety Practice (GLSP)
• Produce robust and accurate experimental reports, have organised electronic data management, prepare SOPs, batch reports and internal/external study reports as required.
• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and work to a high standard
• Attend internal and external Antikor meetings as required
• Liaise with contract research organisations and participate in multiple projects as required
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Effective cross-functional interaction with other members of the Antikor team
• Track record of showing initiative and problem-solving
• Well organised with the ability to prioritise work supporting multiple programs

Qualifications

• BSc/MSci degree in Chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline 


• PhD in subject relevant to the position (e.g. protein chemistry, biophysical analysis, bio-conjugation) 


• Preferably, at least 1 years’ post-doctoral experience.

• If no PhD-you will have at least 3 years’ post-graduate experience in a biotechnology/industrial environment 


Key skills (essential)

• Must have a strong chemistry/protein chemistry background

• Follow existing SOPs to perform, screen and document antibody/protein-small molecule conjugations using a range of linker chemistries, small molecules and excipients.

• Develop new methods for antibody-small molecule conjugation 


• Perform post-conjugation purification using a range of chromatographic tools (e.g. AKTA, HPLC, SEC, TFF). 


• Develop, validate and use analytical methods to study ADCs using HPLC (RP, SEC, HIC, IEX)

• Experience in LC-MS of proteins

• Coordinate with protein production scientists and synthetic chemists in order to supply samples that will supply others for in vitro and in vivo studies

• Willing to work to tight deadlines, receiving samples from other members of the team last in the chain

• Liaise with affiliated scientists (internal and external) that will be carrying out LC-MS analysis, in vitro and preclinical in vivo modelling, antibody/ADC pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

• Willing to temporarily change roles to fulfil project deadlines

• Basic practical biochemistry techniques essential such as handling proteins, buffer exchange, SDS PAGE, quantitation, etc.

• Attention to detail essential

Preferred skills

• Designing and running stability assays to determine protein and conjugate stability

• Understanding/experience in cIEF, Tm-analysis, MALS, DLS, CE-SDS, SPR

• Extracting and analyzing samples (antibodies and small molecules) from plasma and tissues 


• Ability to carry out micro-scale synthetic organic chemistry

Benefits

• Competitive salary, including bonuses
• Flexible working
• HMRC-approved Share options scheme
• Pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Access to the GSK subsidised restaurant, shop, sports centre, shuttle bus to/from Stevenage station.

To apply

Send CVs/covering email to jobs@antikor.co.uk