Job Description

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our unique technology turns living cells into biofactories, creating sustainable new materials and therapeutics. With full control of the genetic sequence and code, we are exploring chemical space previously unreached by natural biology.  

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin’s laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ccsb/jason-chin/   

We secured $58 million Series A fundraising. Read more here: https://www.constructive.bio/blog/news/constructive-bio-secures-58-million-in-series-a-financing   

What we’re looking for:  

The jobholder will be a key member of the Therapeutics Discovery team. As this is a technical lab-based role, they will be responsible for developing novel biotherapeutics based on Constructive Bio’s proprietary platform technologies. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in molecular biology, protein expression and purification, and functional analysis to drive projects from conception to commercially relevant endpoints. They will design and implement discovery and development projects to generate therapeutic candidates containing non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs), enabling novel capabilities and mechanisms of action for commercial applications. In addition, they will also be expected to contribute to continuous improvement projects or other core activities beyond discover and development within Constructive Bio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently initiate, plan, and execute complex protein engineering projects with a clear focus on commercial applications.

• Design, construct, and optimise protein variants using advanced molecular biology techniques.

• Plan and perform protein expression, purification and analysis including recombinant expression (in both bacterial and mammalian systems), and relevant binding and functional assays according to project requirements.

• Develop and execute protein purification strategies, including affinity chromatography, to obtain high-quality protein samples.

• Apply in-depth knowledge of protein structure-function relationships to guide engineering efforts.

• Continuously review, troubleshoot and implement optimised processes.

• Evaluate and develop new technologies and investigate possible implementation of new technical strategies where necessary.

• Design and conduct experiments, manage daily lab activities, draft reports, and implement health and safety practices according to project requirements and regulatory guidelines.

• Effectively communicate project progress and results to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Contribute to other core activities and relevant projects within Constructive Bio including presentations at appropriate internal meetings

• Liaise with other groups within Constructive Bio where required to apply new developments to future projects.

• Mentor and train junior scientists and research associates

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.

• Significant postdoctoral experience, with a proven track record of success in protein engineering for Senior Scientist level role)

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete complex protein engineering projects with commercially relevant endpoints.

• In-depth experience in molecular biology techniques, peptide and protein design, expression, purification and downstream analysis, preferably gained in an industrial environment.

• A high-level understanding of the drug discovery process.

• Attention to detail and a focus on scientific excellence, especially with reference to project planning and execution.

• Collaborative, solution-focused scientist with demonstrable enthusiasm for creating the next generation of biotherapeutics.

Ideally you will also demonstrate:

• Experience of engineering and recombinantly producing difficult to express and complex proteins.

• Experience with structural biology software and/or molecular evolution is desirable

• Experience of working in matrix teams and therapeutics programmes in industry.

Behavioural competencies

• Independent, Initiative, proactive, good communicator, good team player, excellent scientific methodology.

• High level of attention to detail, organisational and planning skills

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?   

We are a small but rapidly growing team, with a vision to become the programmable biomolecules company and push the boundaries of what’s possible between biology and chemistry. As an early joiner, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape our trajectory and make real impact from day one.   

We offer:  

• Newly fitted dedicated site in Whittlesford near Cambridge – on-site parking and regular trains to Cambridge, London and Norwich  
• Competitive salary  
• Employee share option plan  
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays  
• Private health insurance  
• Pension plan (matching up to 8%)  
• Collaborative and pioneering environment, at the leading edge of synthetic genomics and engineered translation  

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.    

We are built on three principles:   

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.    
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.   
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.   

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

Please note that we work in a dog-friendly office