Biochemistry Research Associate - Structural Biology

Biochemistry Research Associate - Structural Biology

Pierre Fabre

Toulouse, France

We are seeking for a talented and highly motivated Biochemistry Research Associate to join our Oncology Drug Discovery team and support our small molecule/antibody identification and characterization efforts.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with sound hands-on expertise conducting high-resolution structural analysis of biological macromolecules with state-of-the-art bioinformatics, protein biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Design protein constructs for structural/functional characterization purposes.
• Generate vectors for heterologous recombinant protein expression in bacteria, insect- and/or mammalian cell hosts.
• Develop and optimize methods for protein extraction, purification, characterization and quantification with a high level of independent critical thinking.
• Propose strategies to enable structural characterization of drug targets and their ligands.
• Prepare biological samples for structure elucidation, including isotope labelling, purification crystallization trials and grid clipping. Coordinate sample transfer and remotely supervise structural analysis at partner laboratories.
• Analyze and process structural data to generate accurate models.
• Ensure high-quality data generation, analysis, and timely report to project teams.
• Properly document experimental design, findings, and protocols and comply with all laboratory training and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams and communicate scientific/technical contributions to deliver on project goals in relevant meetings.
• Establish relationships and coordinate collaborations with vendors, external partners and CROs to achieve high standards of productivity and quality, extend internal capabilities and optimally serve project needs.
• Drive scientific and technical innovations to develop and enhance functional capabilities.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• MSc in Biochemistry, Biophysics or related field with 5+ years’ experience in a biotech/pharmaceutical setting (or recent Ph.D. with relevant exposure to drug discovery).
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency with heterologous protein expression systems, and protein extraction and purification methods (e.g. chemical and mechanical cell lysis, ultracentrifugation, dialysis, batch- and liquid chromatography).
• Command of several low- and high-resolution structural biology methods (e.g. analytical ultracentrifugation, CD, SEC-MALS, DLS, X-ray crystallography, NMR, Cryo EM, HDX-MS).
• Working knowledge of adjacent disciplines for the characterization of enzyme activities, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions is a plus.
• Proficiency with relevant data processing analysis and visualization software tools.
• Experience in oncology is a plus.
• Motivated and agile team player with the ability to work in a collaborative environment across the R&D organization.
• Excellent verbal, and written communication skills in English are essential.