Senior Scientist I Protein Expression & Automation

Senior Scientist I Protein Expression & Automation

Evotec

Macclesfield, United Kingdom

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Protein Biochemistry team, with a primary focus on protein expression and automation at scale. This role requires deep expertise in E. coli, mammalian, and insect (baculovirus) expression systems, including expression optimization of complex and challenging targets.

You will play a key role in designing, implementing, and scaling automated expression platforms, while ensuring delivery of high-quality protein and data to support drug discovery programs. Through hands-on scientific leadership, you will drive multiple projects simultaneously and contribute to advancing both platform capabilities and scientific excellence

Key Accountabilities

• Design, optimise, and execute protein expression workflows across multiple host systems (E. coli, mammalian, insect);
• Develop and implement high-throughput expression screening strategies to enable rapid construct evaluation;
• Optimise expression for challenging targets, including low-yield, toxic, insoluble, or membrane proteins;
• Integrate expression workflows with downstream purification and characterisation pipelines;
• Lead development of automated expression workflows, including:
  • DNA preparation and cloning;
  • Transformation and transfection workflows;
  • Baculovirus generation and infection;
  • Small-scale expression screening.
• Utilise and develop liquid handling and automation platforms to increase throughput, robustness, and reproducibility;
• Drive continuous improvement of workflows through automation, miniaturisation, and standardisation;
• Contribute to digital lab initiatives (e.g., LIMS integration, data traceability, workflow digitisation);
• Apply programming or scripting (e.g., Python) to support data analysis, automation, and optimisation;
• Design and implement expression analytics, including yield, solubility, secretion, and expression profiling;
• Ensure high-quality, reproducible data generation and accurate documentation;
• Lead and contribute to multiple projects, managing priorities and timelines effectively;
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team development;
• Communicate scientific findings to internal stakeholders and external partners;
• Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences;
• Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.

Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression in:
  • E. coli systems;
  • Mammalian systems (e.g., HEK, CHO; transient and/or stable);
  • Insect systems (e.g., S2, baculovirus expression in Sf9/Hi5 cells).
• Proven experience in optimising expression of difficult targets;
• Strong hands-on experience with:
  • High-throughput expression workflows;
  • Automation platforms (liquid handlers, plate-based systems);
  • Molecular biology techniques (cloning, construct design, vector systems).
• Demonstrated ability to design and optimise workflows end-to-end;
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex expression challenges;
• Experience delivering results in fast-paced, multi-project environments;
• Experience with bioreactor systems (e.g., Wave, fed-batch optimisation);
• Knowledge of cell line development and scale-up strategies;
• Familiarity with cell-free expression systems;
• Programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, R);
• Experience with LIMS and digital lab infrastructure;
• Use of in silico tools for construct design and expression optimisation;
• Experience of preparing and executing workplans and building trusted partnership with internal and external customers;
• Requires a track record of leading scientists across specialist fields;
• Requires a track record of facilitating employee growth through co-development of personal development plans;
• Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing of stakeholders and colleagues;
• Experience of scientific development and research work ideally with publications in a relevant scientific field.

Education and Qualifications

• Ideally a Ph.D. degree or corresponding experience in a relevant scientific discipline with relevant experience in industry. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several years additional experience in drug discovery.