Scientist Molecular Biology

The job and our company

As Scientist Molecular Biology, you will leverage your industry experience in designing and building new fusion protein modules and recombinant libraries, optimizing cloning, DNA shuffling and Sanger or NGS based sequencing. You contribute to our QC procedures of our company to enhance Obulytix’s discovery and development capabilities. You will enhance the existing high-throughput hit discovery and lead optimization processes, by implementing robust and scalable genetic engineering processes. Experience in protein engineering, ideally related to enzyme optimization, is a major plus. Within this role you will be part of a team of 5 persons existing of Scientist and Lab Technicians and report to our Scientific Operations Lead.

This role can only be filled fulltime and on-site at our research centre in Gent.

At Obulytix, we develop Precision Lysin Therapeutics (PLTs), a groundbreaking new class of enzyme-based antibiotics to combat the ongoing antimicrobial resistance crisis. Join us in our mission to provide concrete solutions to this global challenge and save the lives of countless patients.

Obulytix is a young biotech, providing an exciting and dynamic environment where growth opportunities abound. As an employee in a small and enthusiastic team, you are not just a number. We are supported by corporate and venture capital, and are focused on building the best possible team culture from our home base in Ghent – one of Belgium’s foremost biotech clusters.

Responsibilities

• Development of novel and/or optimized fusion protein DNA building blocks.
• Generation of combinatorial DNA libraries containing randomized or (semi-)rational designed fusion proteins.
• Quality controlling building blocks, proteins or protein libraries through Sanger or NGS sequencing.
• In collaboration with Protein Sciences and Microbiology function leads, iterate designs for new proteins or optimized protein constructs.
• Develop, write and validate SOPs for PLT domains generation, engineering or large scale library shuffling
• Contribution to cross-functional project teams, preparing and presenting work and project updates.
• Contribute new ideas and opinions to scientific discussions to enhance process and new technologies development.
• Work closely with the line manager and other members of the Discovery Team, as needed, to deliver solutions or improvements in DNA synthesis, sequencing or protein engineering workflows.
• Work independently to design, carry out and interpret experiments, keeping up to date with relevant literature and techniques.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant biological discipline or a BSc/MSc with significant (>3y) relevant industrial experience.
• Expertise in DNA synthesis, cloning, library generation, sequencing and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of protein engineering, ideally related to enzymes, and their discovery and development is a plus.
• Experience with DNA sequence management and manipulation software (i.e., Geneious, Benchling).
• Experience with NGS sequencing and data processing methodologies.
• Knowledge and experience in automation, including system handling and scripting, would be an advantage.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize work, work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• A team player with a flexible and collaborative working ethos towards colleagues and teams within the company, as well as with external advisors, service providers and collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to clearly present complex data in English.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and proactive attitude towards biologics development.

We offer

• A fulltime 2-year fixed term employment with the opportunity for an indefinite contract.
• A stimulating environment with the opportunity to be part of an enthusiastic team with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Support and attention for your personal and professional development.
• The chance to contribute directly to the development of novel therapeutic products for patients.
• A competitive remuneration package.

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as our new Scientist Molecular Biology? Then we'd love to hear about you!