Biochemistry Research Associate - Structural Biology

Biochemistry Research Associate - Structural Biology

Pierre Fabre

Toulouse, France

Your mission

We are seeking for a talented and highly motivated Biochemistry Research Associate to join our Oncology Drug Discovery team and support our small molecule/antibody identification and characterization efforts.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with sound hands-on expertise conducting high-resolution structural analysis of biological macromolecules with state-of-the-art bioinformatics, protein biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Propose experimental strategies to enable structural characterization studies of proteins and their interactions with physio-pathologically relevant ligands, as well as with small and large molecular weight drug candidates;
• Design relevant protein constructs and corresponding vectors for heterologous recombinant protein expression in bacteria, insect- and mammalian cell hosts;
• Prepare biological samples for subsequent structural characterization studies, including isotope labelling, purification crystallization trials and grid clipping;
• Coordinate sample transfer and remotely supervise structural analysis at partner laboratories;
• Analyze and process structural data to generate accurate models;
• Ensure high-quality data generation, analysis, and timely report to project teams;
• Leverage lab automation to improve assay operation, quality, and overall productivity;
• Properly document experimental design, findings, and protocols and comply with all laboratory training and safety requirements;
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams and communicate scientific/technical contributions to deliver on project goals in relevant meetings;
• Establish relationships and coordinate collaborations with vendors, external partners and CROs to achieve high standards of productivity and quality, extend internal capabilities and optimally serve project needs;
• Drive scientific and technical innovations to develop and enhance functional capabilities.

Who you are?

Your skills at the service of innovative projects:

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics or related field, with significant exposure to drug discovery (or MSc with 5+ years’ relevant experience in a biotech/pharmaceutical setting);
• Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in several high-resolution structural biology methods (e.g. X-ray crystallography, NMR,…);
• Working knowledge of techniques for the characterization of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions (e.g. thermal unfolding/denaturation, light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, structural MS);
• Proficiency with relevant data processing analysis and visualization software tools;
• Expertise with mechanistic enzymology and/or molecular pharmacology are highly desired;
• Experience in oncology is a plus;
• Motivated and agile team player with the ability to work in a collaborative environment across the R&D organization;
• Excellent verbal, and written communication skills in English are essential.