Associate Scientist, Chemistry (Research and Development)
Iksuda Therapeutics
About Iksuda Therapeutics
Iksuda Therapeutics is a drug development company specialising in the development of stable, safe, and superior Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). Our ADCs target difficult-to-treat cancers, including those that are resistant or refractory to current therapies.
We are building a pipeline of ADCs centred on:
- PermaLink® – proprietary conjugation chemistry for improved ADC stability
- Novel ultra-potent toxins for improved tumour killing
- Novel antibodies targeted towards well-selected antigens associated primarily with solid tumours.
We have developed a series of high-value ADC assets, which are available for collaborative research and license. Our first wave of ADC programmes include antibodies with proven premise in ADC formats and cytotoxic payloads with various mechanisms of action. We are working with leading research institutions in the US and Europe to develop exciting new therapies for the future.
Job summary:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a chemist to join Iksuda’s highly skilled and multidisciplinary team, contributing to the successful growth and positioning of the company as a thought leader in ADC development.
Fulfilling a lab-based role, the successful candidate will support the team to develop novel ADC technologies, working within project team(s) to deliver complex target molecules, under the guidance of Senior Scientists in the Chemistry team.
Candidates should relevant laboratory experience, preferably having worked on projects involving multi-step organic synthesis. They should show a strong interest in medicinal chemistry/drug discovery, be keen to develop their skills in synthetic chemistry and support the team to deliver target molecules on time.
Key responsibilities:
- To prepare, isolate and characterise target molecules required to produce best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and support R&D activities.
- Implement synthetic routes to target molecules based on available literature/ established protocols, under guidance of Senior Scientists.
- Adhere to agreed timelines for synthesise and isolation of compounds.
- Perform reactions necessary for preparation of compounds and synthetic intermediates at laboratory scales ranging 1 milligram to 100g.
- Closely monitor reactions and characterise by a range of analytical techniques.
- Support the project teams to develop/troubleshoot synthetic strategies.
- Perform purification of target molecules. Deliver high purity compounds which conform to specification standards required generation of ADC therapeutics.
- Characterise novel and known target molecules, using a range of analytical techniques to assign the chemical structure and confirm purity.
- Work within a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate the therapeutic potential of chemistry technologies which enable next-generation ADC therapeutics.
- Provide chemistry perspective and support the team obtaining in obtaining proof-of-concept (PoC) data to demonstrate therapeutic potential of technologies developed in-house and through collaborations with strategic partners.
- Contribute to the innovation of new ADC technologies, through team discussions, literature review and proposal of hypotheses to deliver best-in-class ADCs.
- Deliver high-quality results on time and regularly produce accurate, thorough, and professional work.
- Follow approved procedures/protocols and ensure accuracy in documentation and data produced.
- Perform H&S risk assessments and contribute to good laboratory practice and ensure the highest standard of laboratory safety is maintained.
Required education and experience:
- MChem/MSc degree in Chemistry (or related discipline)
- Relevant lab experience – preferably working on organic synthesis.
- Proven track record in delivering high quality research, written reports and publications.
- High level of IT proficiency – MS office, MestreNova, ChemDraw, Reaxys, Scifinder and other literature search tools.
- Desirable Skills, Knowledge & Experience – it is desirable for the candidate to possess:
- A knowledge of antibody-drug-conjugates, medicinal chemistry, antibody-drug conjugates, bioconjugation and self-immolative linkers.
- Hands-on experience performing multi-step organic synthesis of compounds, troubleshooting synthetic routes and developing purification procedures.
- Experience with LC-MS analysis, prep-HPLC and purification method development.
- A keen interest in biologics and drug development.
- Experience determining chemical purity and characterising compounds through common analytical techniques (e.g. LCMS, HPLC, NMR spectroscopy, IR, UV-Vis).
- Personal Attributes – the ideal candidate would:
- Be forward thinking and adaptable.
- Have excellent attention to detail.
- Be highly collaborative, self-motivated, team-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills.
- Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Education: BSc or MSc (required)
Work Location: In person (lab-based role)
All applications to include a cover letter.
Must have UK Right to Work