Job content
Astex Pharmaceuticals is a world leader in innovative drug discovery and development. The company has successfully applied its proprietary fragment-based drug discovery platform to generate multiple new drug candidates that are progressing in clinical development. Successful collaborations have led to two launched oncology drugs (Kisqali® partnered with Novartis and Balversa® partnered with Janssen).
The OpportunitiesOur continued investment in new technologies such as CryoEM and bioinformatics has provided new opportunities for drug discovery in both oncology and neurodegenerative disease. We are now looking to broaden our capabilities in the Bioscience area to exploit this investment and drive our drug discovery portfolio forward. We have several roles available across therapeutic areas, representing exciting opportunities to contribute experience and expertise to the drug discovery process at Astex from target identification and validation through compound evaluation with in vitro and in vivo models to translational support for clinical trials.We are looking for individuals with a strong scientific background and expertise in any of the following areas:
- biochemical assays and enzyme kinetics,
- ion channel biology,
- translational and cell biology,
- in vivo disease models,
- metabolite identification and ADME assay development.
These roles span a range of levels and so we welcome applications from those new to drug discovery as well as those with significant industrial experience.This is an opportunity to develop your career in a thriving multidisciplinary drug discovery environment with a strong focus on collaboration.
Ion Channel expertInvestment in our cryo-EM technology has allowed us to expand our drug discovery efforts to ion channels. As a result, we now have an exciting opening for a senior biologist with ion channel drug discovery experience to help shape our neurodegeneration ion channel portfolio. The role will offer the opportunity to build ion channel expertise at Astex, lead and influence the strategy of multi-disciplinary project teams and shape interactions with collaborators and CROs.
Senior in vivo biologistThis opportunity is for an experienced in-vivo biologist to provide scientific expertise and leadership. They will apply a combination of in-depth knowledge of in vivo models of oncology and/or CNS disease with experience of
in vitro techniques to progress Astex’s discovery projects and clinical compounds.
Assay biologist/enzymologistSuccessful candidates for this role will have detailed knowledge of enzymology and protein biochemistry gained in an academic or industrial setting and applicable to a number of protein classes. They will use their expertise to contribute to the drug discovery process from target evaluation to candidate selection, helping to optimise fragment hits to lead compounds and working in multi-disciplinary teams with structural biologists, biophysicists and chemists.
Translational biologistRoles are available for scientists wanting to impact projects delivering compounds to patients. You will generate in vitro and in vivo data to direct future clinical studies; support the evaluation and development of biomarker assays for compounds entering or in clinical development; and be responsible for establishing and managing external scientific networks to support compounds in development.
Cell biologistsWe are also looking for biologists in the oncology or neuroscience therapeutic areas with a strong scientific background in research aiming to make the next step in their career. These roles offer the opportunity to use a wide range of cell biology, and molecular biology techniques to provide laboratory-based support for drug discovery projects.
DMPK scientistWe are looking for an experienced DMPK scientist with expertise in metabolite identification. The successful candidate will contribute to all ADME activities as an integral member of drug discovery teams, including guiding compound optimisation through metabolite identification studies. You will be responsible for developing and automating in vitro assay and apply your knowledge of metabolite biosynthesis and analytical techniques to drug discovery projects. This role will be a 3-year fixed term contract.Our focus on bioinformatics provides Bioscience with the tools and expertise for in depth analysis of biological data. We are applying these across our portfolio from new target ID to patient selection strategies for clinical compounds. Within all our roles there is also the potential to work closely with bioinformatics to generate, analyse and validate datasets and answer key biological questions on drug discovery projects.
We are recruiting for a number of permanent and 3 year fixed term roles depending on qualifications and experience.Why AstexWe offer excellent training and career development opportunities as well as highly competitive salary and benefits package including hybrid working and remote working options to promote a flexible and inclusive work environment.At Astex we embrace diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse Company representing all backgrounds, harnessing industry-leading scientific innovation and behaviours.Astex is situated 2.5 miles from Cambridge City centre on the Cambridge Science Park. The Park has onsite sports facilities and excellent transport links to London.
Application InformationTo apply, please visit our recruitment website and submit your application before the closing date.The roles close on: 16th September 2022
More informationFor information on Astex Pharmaceuticals please visit: www.astx.comFor information on Otsuka Pharmaceuticals please visit: www.otsuka.co.jp