Senior Scientist (Antibody Discovery Applications)

Our mission is to push the boundaries of complex cell analysis. Using the Lightcast platform we are working with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutes. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are making advances towards new science, unique clinical approaches, new therapies and innovative products.
The Lightcast platform allows precise and highly flexible independent control of thousands of microdroplets independently and in parallel using software-generated light patterns. By combining droplets containing different cells, antibodies, cancer drugs, reporters and /or other reagents we can perform complex workflows and assays with a flexibility far beyond what is currently possible on any cell analysis platform. 

About the role   

We are looking for an experienced Senior Scientist based in Cambridge Uk to join our Assays Team. In this role, you will be involved in designing and developing novel assays for various applications using the Lightcast platform. You will have the opportunity to transform cell-based assays from traditional plate-based formats to picolitre-scale droplets, enabling new functional readouts and assay combinations at single cell resolution. Inventing and establishing novel assay formats, you will be at the forefront of developing the assays and cutting-edge workflows that present a product that makes immediate impact to our collaborators and customers in Drug Discovery. To ensure assay development at Lightcast is at the lead-edge of innovation, you will work closely with internal and external partners. Additionally, you will participate in project update meetings, horizon scanning and mind-mapping activities, contributing to the innovative and collegial culture of the team.   

You will sit at the nexus of development and contribute to the commercialization, involving significant interaction with the other internal R&D teams and commercial teams at Lightcast.   

As a Senior Scientist in the Assays Team, you will be expected to: 

• Be a subject matter expert in the field of Antibody Discovery  
• Develop innovative experiments and deliver on platform assay options with publication-quality data; invent and optimise cell-based assays to be run on the Lightcast platform aligned with our customer needs and product development roadmap  
• Keep up to date with new technologies that could be applied to the Lightcast platform as well as with the competitive landscape   
• Capture and communicate any novel intellectual property that you invent during your work 
• Generate SOPs, experimental plans and result reports at quality feeding directly into product development  
• Communicate and collaborate with members of the wider company including, data scientists, software developers, engineers, chemists and commercial teams 
• Prepare presentations and reports for audiences inside and outside the company, including for collaborators and clients 
• Work in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities and deadlines 

We would expect you to have:   

• PhD in a field related cell biology, immunology or similar field with a minimum of 5 years lab-based experience ideally in an industry setting 
• Demonstrable experience of cell-based assay development in the field of antibody discovery. Including hit identification and functional characterisation 
• Experience with human and murine B cell isolation, including sub populations of B cells 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with external partners 
• Experience on working with collaborators on complex and cutting-edge projects 
• Ability to work in an agile and fast-paced environment, adapting to changing priorities and deadlines 

Advantageous experience:  

• Experience in developing single-cell functional assays 
• Prior experience in translating cell-based assays into droplet environments 
• Immunoassay development 
• Product development experience  

We offer a generous benefits package including:  

• 26 days holiday, plus Public Holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Pension contribution matched up to 7%
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Life insurance
• Subsidised gym membership and weekly cross fit sessions
• Access to Cycle to Work and Technology schemes
• Enhanced family leave policies  

Here at Lightcast Discovery we have an informal, open work environment where collaboration and innovation are at the heart of what we do. We are based in West Cambridge, near excellent transport links and plenty of local amenities. We regularly gather as a team to hear about developments across functions and to share ideas. We enjoy social events and regular team lunches, promote career development and learning opportunities. It is an exciting time to join our revolutionary team as we push boundaries and continue to grow.