Senior Scientist (Native Mass Spectrometry)

Senior Scientist (Native Mass Spectrometry)
2 year Fixed Term Contract

OMass Therapeutics is an early-stage drug discovery company, applying its unique OdyssION™ technology platform, which comprises novel biochemistry techniques, next-generation native mass spectrometry, and custom chemistry, to discover small molecule therapeutics for rare diseases and immunological conditions. 

The company was founded by Professor Dame Carol Robinson to leverage her pioneering work in native mass spectrometry, in studies of dynamic protein assemblies, to characterise challenging drug targets including membrane proteins. The high resolution of our biophysical platform offers an unprecedented advantage in the detection of drug leads. The company vision is to build an integrated drug discovery company, with the ambition to develop and ultimately commercialise our products. 

OMass has built world-leading facilities and expertise in mass spectrometry, pharmacology, immunology, chemistry, membrane protein biochemistry and high-resolution structural biology, including crystallography and cryo-EM. Our native MS facility includes state-of-the-art instruments to detect and characterise protein interactions, with automated workflows to enable high-throughput screening. Complementary MS based methods including HDX-MS, metabolomics and affinity-based screening enable us to place mass spectrometry at the centre of drug discovery. 

Headquartered in Oxford, UK, OMass has raised over $150M (£119M) from a top-tier international investor syndicate, including Syncona, Oxford Science Enterprises, Google Ventures, Northpond Ventures, and Sanofi Ventures. This is an excellent time to join our dynamic growing company.

OMass Therapeutics is inviting applications for the position of Senior Scientist to work within the Discovery MS team. The company offers a collaborative and innovative environment for a well-suited candidate to become an integral part of our future vision.

The successful candidate will be an experienced scientist with a good understanding of mass spectrometry, particularly in native MS applications to understand protein interactions. You will be responsible for developing MS based methods which (i) provide a greater understanding of membrane proteins of interest and (ii) contribute to the development of a bespoke discovery platform for challenging drug targets. Experience of molecular biology, protein expression/purification is advantageous. As part of the platform development team, the ability to problem-solve and develop innovative solutions within projects is a key attribute required for the role. The role is based in our Oxford site.

Applications to be received by 7th March 2023 

Essential Experience, Skills and Qualities

• A PhD or equivalent in biological/protein mass spectrometry with demonstratable research experience in native mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead research projects.
• Experience with handling purified proteins. 
• Responsible and focused approach to independent and collaborative work, with the ability to prioritise and deliver high quality work to deadlines. 
• Innovative and ambitious mindset, with an inquisitive and agile approach to problem-solving and overcoming technical challenges; motivated to continuously learn and take on challenges in the pursuit of delivering novel therapeutics. 
• Caring and inclusive; respectful and receptive to others’ diverse ideas, experience and perspectives, and enjoys working collaboratively with others as a team. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience in proteomics and/or lipidomics method development 
• Native mass spectrometry experience on qTOF and/or orbitrap platforms
• Experience in handling purified membrane proteins
• An understanding of various membrane protein solubilisation techniques
• Experience with eukaryotic protein expression using a variety of hosts including mammalian and insect cells
• Experience with variety of protein purification methods

Role Responsibilities

• Develop mass spectrometry-based methods and protocols for drug discovery applications
• Apply native mass spectrometry to proteins (including membrane proteins) of interest to provide greater understanding of their structure and/or function.
• Prepare and apply OMass’ compound libraries to MS-based screens 
• Work closely with scientists within the team to develop solutions and exploratory ideas which contribute to the company’s vision
• Create ideas and solutions which allow the company to deliver key milestones
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and, when required, contribute to the preparation of patents and publications
• Remain up to date with the state-of-the-art of the field
• Communicate research and data to broader project teams and provide expert opinion on its interpretation.
• Share information openly and work collaboratively with other departments to help advance different projects and achieve company goals.
• Promote and adhere to OMass’ values of being Ambitious, Responsible, Innovative, Focused, Caring and Collaborative. 

Applicants should provide a full CV and a brief cover letter describing their interest for, and compatibility with, the position.

The position is initially offered with a fixed 2 years term, with the possibility to extend to a permanent position. 

All applications should be submitted online via our website www.omass.com/working-here/  

Any queries relating to the role can be sent to [email protected] . 

Job Type: Full-time, 2-year fixed term contract 

Location: Oxford

Salary: Competitive salary and comprehensive employee benefits

OMass Therapeutics values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity, we also have full responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work and live in the UK.