Junior Research Associate CMC

272BIO is a start-up biotech company active in the field of the development of Innovative Biological Drugs for Veterinary applications using the VHH technology (antibody fragments). Traditional Biotherapeutics are becoming more and more common in Human Health due to their selectivity, specificity and flexibility and now are entering the Veterinary space.  

The Chemistry Manufacturing and Control (CMC) team ensures that drug development candidates are manufactured using state of the art methodologies and supplied for pre-clinical and clinical development.  

We are looking for an inquisitive, dynamic full-time collaborator to join our CMC team located in the Ghent area. The primary focus of the (Junior) Research Associate CMC is execute laboratory activities related to the CMC development of the internal and partnered projects with a focus on strain engineering and upstream processing. 

Position summary 

As a (Junior) Research Associate – Strain Engineering & Upstream Processing, you will play an integral role in the development and optimization of microbial expression systems for the production of single domain antibodies. 

You will report to the Scientist Strain Engineering & Upstream Processing and work closely with cross-functional R&D teams. 

Key responsibilities 

• Strain engineering
• Construct and screen recombinant microbial strains (e.g., E. coli, Pichia pastoris, etc.)
• Perform molecular biology techniques to design and generate expression vectors (e.g., in silico cloning, PCR, agarose gel analysis, plasmid assembly, transformation, etc.)
• Analyze expression levels and growth characteristics using SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, OD measurements, HPLC, etc.
• USP
• Culture microbial strains in shake flasks and potentially bench-scale bioreactors
• Assist in optimizing fermentation parameters for improved productivity
• Prepare samples and contribute to data collection and interpretation
• General
• You manage the work at experiment/task level, document and report data
• You design experiments together with supervisor and execute under specific instructions
• You record and analyze results in a systematic and clear manner and you provide basic reports
• Organization of the basic logistics in the laboratory (supplies, samples, shipments)
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary R&D team and contribute to a positive lab culture 

What are your key skills? 

• Basic understand of Protein Chemistry and willing to self-study
• Basic understanding of gene expression and gene regulation
• Experience of molecular techniques to engineer microorganisms
• Punctual and organized with an eye for detail
• Pro-active and problem solver
• Basic knowledge of laboratory processes and willing to learn
• Good executor and self-organized
• Team-player attitude and willing to run the extra mile 

What is your profile? 

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Industrial Sciences (Biochemistry)
• Bioscience Engineering, or a related field
• You will learn on the job so we encourage starters to apply!
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Basic English as a business language
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills
• Desire to work in a fast paced, team-oriented dynamic environment
• Highly proactive, self-motivated, professional and dedicated 

What do we offer? 

• A challenging and motivating work environment where like-minded people strive towards top-grade results in a continuously evolving research domain
• A personal growth trajectory focusing on self-development and knowledge expansion
• An attractive salary package with additional benefits, full time contract 

What are our contact details? 

• Please send your CV and a personal motivation letter to infobv@272BIO.com
• You can also find more information on www.272BIO.com
• Your application will be considered quickly and confidentially. Our Privacy Policy is compliant with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 27, 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of these data ("GDPR")