Company Background:

SOTIO is a mid-sized biotech company developing novel protein-based anti-cancer therapies. The Biologics Core Technologies (BCT) team is at the heart of SOTIO research and development across multiple projects and drug modalities, which enables us to make a direct impact on drug candidate selection. We are responsible for molecular design and optimization of drug candidates to achieve the desired mode of action, for the supply of high-quality research material, and for characterization of our molecules to understand the relationship between structure and function. A large part of our research is performed in-house in a newly established analytical lab with state-of-the-art equipment for protein analysis.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a proactive and reliable person to lead our analytical team activities. In this role, you will assume responsibility for planning, scheduling and timely delivery of all routine as well as custom analyses (e.g. regular retests, accelerated stability studies, forced degradation studies). You will perform this work with a small team of scientists which you will be the leader of. You will be responsible for development and implementation of new methods and equipment. You will closely collaborate with project representatives on the design, timing and conclusions of your studies and you will present your findings in team and project meetings. 

Key Activities and Responsibilities:

• Assume responsibility for all studies conducted in the BCT lab, including design, scheduling and data analysis

• Assume responsibility for BCT lab operations, including maintenance and stocking up

• Lead a small team of scientists - assign work, review results, endorse conclusions, be their first point of contact for troubleshooting and technical mentor

• Independently design custom studies (e.g. method optimizations, follow-up investigations based on unexpected data)

• Independently and critically review own and team’s data, draw conclusions and recommendations to project teams

• Proactively optimize processes around routine experiments as required to reduce workload and improve efficiency/speed while maintaining high quality

• Develop, implement and validate new methods and techniques as required

• Oversee clear and timely experimental documentation in electronic lab book (in English language)

• Coordinate with other functions to make sure the proposed activities are relevant within the project context

• Represent BCT team in cross-functional project meetings

• Keep abreast with new developments in the field of protein characterization, actively look for improvements and expansions to our range of analytical techniques

Competences, Skills and Qualifications:

• Education in life sciences area (minimum Master’s degree), PhD. is a plus

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with characterization of protein-based molecules using the following techniques: SEC, HIC, RP-HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, NanoDrop or similar, BLI

• Demonstrated people leadership experience

• Excellent knowledge of IgG antibody structure and quality attributes

• Hands-on experience with stability and stress studies of protein-based molecules is a plus (e.g. accelerated stability, forced degradation)

• Work experience in an industry setting is a plus

• Excellent language skills in written and oral English (at least B2 level)

• Excellent skills in use of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Upholding high standards in general lab conduct (clean and sterile work, proper handling of protein materials, thorough documentation, sample labelling)

• Thoroughness, attention to detail

• Proactive and problem-solving attitude

• Ability to work individually as well as in a team

Location:

• Harfa Business Center – B, Českomoravská 2532/19b, 190 00 Prague 9, Czech Republic