Oligonucleotide Chemist/ Biochemist (mRNA) At London Biotech Start Up
Summary
Challenge: use your experience in oligonucleotides to build a radically different approach to mRNA deliveryRequired: Experience in DNA/RNA chemistry (or biochemistry)PhD in relevant area OR MSc with >2 yrs experience in a fast growth biotechUseful: Experience in the synthesis or chemical modification of oligos/nucleic acidsKnowledge of tertiary oligo structures, duplexes or DNA origami approachesWho: work as part of a project team OR have the ability to lead itLocation: London, UKStart-date: ASAP or ~Spring 2022Length: Full-Time/Permanent
The opportunity
Sixfold Bioscience is a VC backed team of 20+ researchers and operators looking to change how we treat disease. We see the huge potential of RNA therapeutics being limited by how safely and effectively they can be systemically delivered in people.
We’re engineering a radically different approach to mRNA, one that defies traditional thinking. Our Mergo® approach has the potential to make a significant impact to patients across the globe.
You’ll be given support from the VC investment, grant funding and our growing mRNA team to apply your knowledge in RNA/DNA to design, build and analyse our mRNA delivery and therapeutic platform.
This is an extremely exciting opportunity to join us as we enter a promising phase of team growth and R&D expansion. You’ll join a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary and dynamic team environment: a passionate group of coders, chemists, biochemists and biologists looking to make a difference (and have fun doing it!). You’ll be exposed to advanced technical and scientific skills that are in high demand in the rapidly growing field of mRNA therapeutics.
During your time with us, you’ll
Be driving the development of our delivery system for mRNA therapeutics:Design: brainstorm, collaborate and scan for novel innovations/modifications to expand the applicability of our Mergo® platformConstruct: synthesise, assemble and purify mRNA-Mergo® formulationsAnalyse: characterise, test and observe the effectiveness of mRNA-Mergo®Iterate & prioritise: prototype candidates through multiple stages of design, construction and analysis through considered prioritisation and rapid execution.
You’ll also:Be regularly involved in discussions with the executive teamSupervise junior researchers and placement students (optional)Work in a highly collaborative team environment
• Be involved in Sixfolds many projects with leading industrial and academic institutions, such as Imperial • College, Pharmidex and the Medicines Discovery Catapult.Support and contribute to publishing, patenting and grant writing efforts
Who you are
You’ll need extensive experience in either DNA/RNA chemistry or biochemistry. You’ll be a highly motivated and independent individual who is also comfortable working collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Specifically, you should be someone who:Has a PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Nanotechnology or equivalent scientific discipline (or MSc with >2 yrs experience in a fast growth biotech)
Laboratory experience in nucleic acid biochemistry or chemistry (not including RNA extraction)
Our team is what makes Sixfold. We look for people with:Good humour, friendly and plenty of energyA passion for science and learningTeam orientedThe ability to work under pressure and prioritise workloadWe’re looking for someone with this skill set to join the mRNA team who will either be happy, 1) working as part of a research project team, or 2) with the ability and desire to lead it in a senior capacity.
For a leadership position, please indicate on your application form. We’ll look for the ability to lead and/or experience supervising or line managing junior team members.
Not required, but helpful
None of the below are required, especially if you are highly experienced in other areas, but any of the following could add a little stardust to your application:Experience in the synthesis or chemical modification of oligos/nucleic acidsKnowledge of tertiary oligo structures, duplexes or DNA/RNA origami approachesKnowledge of RNA therapeuticsBackground in oligonucleotide purification, assembly and/or characterisationAnalysis of RNA degradation
Perks
Share Scheme
Pension
Flexible hours
Highly collaborative, inclusive and friendly team environment
The chance to see your ideas make an impact
Regular team social events
Minimum 5 days paid training
25 days paid holiday (not including bank holidays), increasing with service time
Cycle to work scheme
Free fruit :)
Sickness and bereavement pay
Attractive maternity and paternity pay
About us
We founded Sixfold to tackle the biggest challenge in healthcare: how to safely deliver RNA to diseased cells. We saw the huge potential of RNA therapies being limited to how safely and effectively they can be systemically delivered in people. Our scientists are creative and iterate fast because they want to see what they do in the lab make a difference in the clinic.
Diversity and inclusion
It’s important to mention that although disease affects us all, our industry still displays a huge lack of diversity — this needs to change. Our team is composed of many different nationalities, cultures and genders. Our goal is to create a company culture that promotes ideas and the inclusion of team members from all backgrounds.
That means we have no judgement when it comes to any one of the things that make you who you are — your gender, race, sexuality, religion or your secret aversion to cucumber water.
The proof in the pudding: our board is 66% female, and at last count team Sixfold came from 9 nationalities, 3 continents, multiple races and ethnicities. As one of our team recently put it: “Sixfold is a great example of diversity [...] and I am sure many more diversities that I am not even aware of! The beauty of the fold-diversity ”
We actively encourage members of disadvantaged, minority and underrepresented groups to apply.