Senior Scientist – Engineered Translation

Who we are:

Life Reimagined

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology harnesses the power of genome rewriting and genetic code reprogramming to make valuable products that positively impact the world. We will use our platform to turn cells into bio-renewable factories to produce novel molecules that were previously inaccessible to natural biology, with diverse applications in industries spanning healthcare, biological research, materials and electronics.

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ccsb/jason-chin/

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.

We are built on three principles:

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

Our Engineered Translation team apply pioneering technology to reprogram and expand the genetic code of living cells, to produce programmable biomolecules that incorporate up to 3 non-canonical amino acids that aren’t found in nature. Through deep engineering of the protein translation process, we will turn cells into sustainable biofactories for the production of new classes of medicines and biomaterials with enhanced chemical properties.

You can read more about our technology in these publications (see the Chin lab website for more):

World’s first entirely synthetic recoded genome (Nature 2019):

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1192-5

Breakthrough genetic code reprogramming (Science 2021):

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg3029

Novel biosynthesis method creation (Nature Chemistry 2022):

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-022-01082-0

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Senior Scientist in Engineered Translation to join our group. As part of the Engineered Translation team, the post holder will work closely with the Head of R&D and other scientists to deploy and develop our proprietary platform for the engineering of the translation machinery of living cells, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and tRNAs, towards the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids and other types of non-canonical building blocks into polypeptides. By expanding the range of building blocks that are available to cells when they make their polypeptides, you will have the opportunity to enable the creation and sustainable production of functionalised biotherapeutics with advanced properties that are not accessible to the natural set of amino acids. The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular engineering of proteins or nucleic acids using directed evolution or rational engineering approaches informed by protein and peptide structure, as well as a proven track record for designing, executing and documenting experiments. As an early member of the team, you would have the opportunity to make a big impact in the development of our platform to build new programmable biomolecules at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deploy our proprietary methodologies for engineering the components of the cellular protein translation machinery
• Develop and deploy high-throughput assays for characterizing the activity of novel translational components
• Independently design, construct and characterize high-diversity libraries for protein and nucleic acid mutagenesis in alignment with the company’s scientific and commercial goals
• Perform small-scale purification and characterization of protein and peptides containing non-canonical amino acids, including techniques such as SDS-PAGE and affinity chromatography, and the analysis of mass spectrometry data
• Effectively document, organise and communicate your research to other team members
• Work in full compliance of the health and safety regulations in place
• Help shape and develop our platform to incorporate new non-canonical amino acids and other exotic monomers into the next generation of biotherapeutics, industrial proteins and advanced materials

As an ideal candidate you will have:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in directed evolution approaches for protein and nucleic acid engineering, such as random mutagenesis and selection, combinatorial designs or continuous evolution approaches
• Proficiency with a variety of DNA cloning method, particularly Gibson assembly and GoldenGate assembly
• Command of tools for visualizing and interpreting protein and nucleic acid structural data
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Track record in delivering high quality data

Desirable Skills and experience:

We are especially keen to meet candidates with:

• A familiarity with genetic code expansion and the incorporation of non-natural amino acids
• Experience in assay development and high-throughput screening of protein and nucleic acid function
• Experience working in highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environments, preferably in industrial settings.
• Familiarity with the generation and interpretation of mass spectrometry data, particularly LC-MS intact protein mass data
• A desire to grow into leaders of small teams of junior scientists

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?

We are a small but rapidly growing team - as an early member, you will be immersed in different aspects of the early company set up and there will be ample opportunities for personal development. This is a unique chance to make a big impact in our platform and company culture. We have recently moved to our new modern offices located in Whittlesford, near Cambridge which offers on-site parking and the train station is literally on our doorstep! In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package which includes Private Healthcare and a generous pension contribution.

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.