Oxford Expression Technologies Ltd is a Biotechnology company founded in 2007 and located within the BioInnovation Hub on Oxford Brookes’ Headington Campus. We enjoy access to many of the social facilities offered by the university. We specialise in baculovirus-insect cell protein expression systems but also undertake work using bacterial and mammalian cells. We market kits and products for insect cell expression but also undertake custom service projects to make recombinant proteins for industry and academia. Our clients include major vaccine and pharmaceutical companies in the UK, Europe and North America, as well as a number of locally-based biotechs. Internal R&D projects aim to develop further the baculovirus expression system. We also receive funding from Innovate UK to develop novel vaccines for virus diseases.

We are seeking applicants for a Senior Scientific Officer (SSO). The SSO will be primarily focussed on internally or externally funded R&D projects or Contract Service Projects as required. The role will include liaison with clients and/or external collaborators.

The successful candidate will, after suitable training, be required to take the lead in responding to requests from clients for recombinant protein expression and develop projects from inception to completion including writing final reports. In addition, we expect the SSO to take the lead in internally-funded R&D projects to develop new products or processes that will expand the company’s portfolio of kits/products and custom service work. There may also be the opportunity to contribute to our in-house vaccine development programme funded by the UK Vaccine Network through Innovate UK.

The role will also include supervision/line management of graduate level staff. The post will report to Dr Adam Chambers, Principal Scientist Contract Services / R&D but will also work with other senior staff as needed. Qualifications required: BSc/MSc in Biosciences and PhD in Virology, Biosciences or Molecular Sciences.

Experience and skills required:

The core activities of the post require knowledge and experience of protein purification, cell culture (insect or mammalian) and, preferably, viral vectors. Experience with expression vector design and practical skills in molecular biology would also be advantageous. However, we will consider applicants with related skills that they feel would be appropriate for the position, for example, in bacterial expression systems. We are also looking for someone with some experience of supervising junior staff and taking the lead on research projects. However, we will consider applicants with related skills that they feel would be appropriate for the position and who would be willing to develop and take on additional responsibilities.

Some of our marketing activities include attending scientific meetings to present original data from our own in house activities and funded grants. These meetings may be in the UK or overseas, although in recent months these have been held virtually owing to Covid-19. Therefore, good presentation skills would be an asset and may be tested at interview.

We are looking to appoint a scientist with good communication and teamwork skills but also someone who can work independently and take responsibility for projects and supervision of more junior staff including visitors, project students and interns.

Salary and other conditions:

£35,480-£38,770 depending on experience and qualifications. We offer 25 days annual leave with additional company days at Christmas/New Year, a company pension scheme and good opportunities for career progression and development.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Robert Possee. Further information about OET can be found on the website.

To apply, please send a concise CV and cover letter to info@oetltd.com by Thursday 14th April 2022.

Please note in person interviews are planned for Friday 22nd April 2022.

OET has adopted equality, diversity and inclusion as core values. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates whatever their background. Please note that we can only consider applicants already eligible to work in the UK.