Research Scientist, Biophysics

Company Description

Bicycle Therapeutics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing a novel class of medicines, referred to as Bicycle® molecules, for diseases that are underserved by existing therapeutics. Bicycle molecules are fully synthetic short peptides constrained with small molecule scaffolds to form two loops that stabilize their structural geometry. This constraint facilitates target binding with high affinity and selectivity, making Bicycle molecules attractive candidates for drug development. The company is evaluating zelenectide pevedotin (formerly BT8009), a Bicycle® Toxin Conjugate (BTC®) targeting Nectin-4, a well-validated tumor antigen; BT5528, a BTC molecule targeting EphA2, a historically undruggable target; and BT7480, a Bicycle Tumor-Targeted Immune Cell Agonist® (Bicycle TICA®) targeting Nectin-4 and agonizing CD137, in company-sponsored clinical trials. Additionally, the company is developing Bicycle® Radio Conjugates (BRC™) for radiopharmaceutical use and, through various partnerships, is exploring the use of Bicycle® technology to develop therapies for diseases beyond oncology.

Bicycle Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with many key functions and members of its leadership team located in Cambridge, Massachusetts US.

Culture is key and all Bicycle employees actively embrace and role model our company values:

• We are Adventurous. We believe it's the way to deliver extraordinary results for our patients.
• We are Dedicated to our Mission. You can't change the world if you don't have determination
• We are One Team. We only succeed when we work together. 

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join our Biophysics team and play a crucial role in supporting therapeutic research projects, from discovery to clinic. The biophysics team sits within the platform technology group, and you will be responsible for utilizing your expertise in biophysical binding characterization techniques, to generate valuable data insights that drive project advancements; therefore, enabling Bicycle® platform technology.

You will be predominantly lab-based and will be responsible for (with support) the design and application of Biophysical assays – primarily, but not limited to SPR. In addition, the role will involve collaboration across the wider team to provide specialist insight and delivery of data to help inform and triage the design cascade. The role will include a split of both core and exploratory work, with an initial focus on helping drive the core processes within the biophysics team. Depending on the candidate and aspirations this will change over time.

You should be comfortable with a fast-paced, dynamic working environment and hold excellent communication skills to facilitate the necessary close interactions within the platform technology team and beyond.

Key responsibilities

• Binding Characterization: Provide essential support to therapeutic research projects by designing and conducting binding characterization experiments using SPR.
• Biophysical Innovation: Explore and implement other biophysical techniques to enhance project support and contribute to the lab's capabilities.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Deliver accurate, high-quality data with comprehensive analysis and interpretation to empower project teams.
• Laboratory Excellence: Ensure meticulous data capture and analysis while adhering to strict data integrity standards.
• Operational Support: Contribute to the day-to-day operations of a state-of-the-art biophysics lab and participate in ongoing process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated in Biological Sciences or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in biophysical binding characterization techniques.
• Solid theoretical understanding of key biophysical screening cascades.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated presentation skills, particularly in owning and delivering data-driven presentations.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on thorough documentation and data integrity.

Desirable:

• Hands-on experience in designing and performing SPR assays for both large and small molecules.
• Proficiency in utilizing orthogonal techniques (beyond SPR) to characterize molecular interactions and support core assays.
• A good working knowledge of protein biochemistry and expression/purification techniques.
• An understanding of how biophysical data can inform and influence structure-based drug design (SBDD) approaches.

Additional Information

• State-of-the-art campus environment with on campus restaurant and Montessori nursery
• Flexible working environment
• Competitive reward including annual company bonus 
• Employee recognition schemes
• 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays + option to buy up to 5 additional days annually
• Employer contribution to pension (employee does not have to contribute) 
• Life assurance cover 4x basic salary 
• Private Medical Insurance, including optical and dental cover. 
• Group income protection
• Employee assistance program
• Health Cash Plan
• Access to company subsidized gym membership.
• Eligibility for an option grant to subscribe to shares in Bicycle Therapeutics plc. 
• Cycle to work scheme 

Bicycle Therapeutics is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, marital status, or veteran status.