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
Job Title: Senior Scientist Protein Expression & Automation
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG
Our Company
Evotec is a leader in the discovery and development of novel small molecule drugs with operational sites in Europe and the US. The Company has built substantial drug discovery expertise and an industrialised platform that can drive new innovative small molecule compounds into the clinic. In addition, Evotec has built a deep internal knowledge base in the treatment of diseases related to neuroscience, pain, oncology, inflammation and metabolic diseases. Leveraging these skills and expertise the Company intends to develop best-in-class differentiated therapeutics and deliver superior science-driven discovery alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Key Accountabilities
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Design, optimise, and execute protein expression workflows across multiple host systems (E. coli, mammalian, insect).
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Develop and implement high-throughput expression screening strategies to enable rapid construct evaluation.
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Optimise expression for challenging targets, including low-yield, toxic, insoluble, or membrane proteins.
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Integrate expression workflows with downstream purification and characterisation pipelines.
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Lead development of automated expression workflows, including:
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DNA preparation and cloning
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Transformation and transfection workflows
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Baculovirus generation and infection
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Small-scale expression screening
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Utilise and develop liquid handling and automation platforms to increase throughput, robustness, and reproducibility.
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Drive continuous improvement of workflows through automation, miniaturisation, and standardisation.
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Contribute to digital lab initiatives (e.g., LIMS integration, data traceability, workflow digitisation).
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Apply programming or scripting (e.g., Python) to support data analysis, automation, and optimisation.
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Design and implement expression analytics, including yield, solubility, secretion, and expression profiling.
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Ensure high-quality, reproducible data generation and accurate documentation.
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Lead and contribute to multiple projects, managing priorities and timelines effectively.
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Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team development.
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Communicate scientific findings to internal stakeholders and external partners.
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Represent the company at scientific and/or business conferences.
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Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.
Knowledge & Experience
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Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression in:
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E. coli systems
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Mammalian systems (e.g., HEK, CHO; transient and/or stable)
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Insect systems (e.g., S2, baculovirus expression in Sf9/Hi5 cells)
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Proven experience in optimising expression of difficult targets
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Strong hands-on experience with:
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High-throughput expression workflows
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Automation platforms (liquid handlers, plate-based systems)
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Molecular biology techniques (cloning, construct design, vector systems)
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Demonstrated ability to design and optimise workflows end-to-end
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Strong problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex expression challenges
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Experience delivering results in fast-paced, multi-project environments
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Experience with bioreactor systems (e.g., Wave, fed-batch optimisation)
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Knowledge of cell line development and scale-up strategies
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Familiarity with cell-free expression systems
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Programming/scripting skills (e.g., Python, R)
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Experience with LIMS and digital lab infrastructure
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Use of in silico tools for construct design and expression optimisation
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Experience of preparing and executing workplans and building trusted partnership with internal and external customers.
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Requires a track record of leading scientists across specialist fields.
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Requires a track record of facilitating employee growth through co-development of personal development plans.
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Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing of stakeholders and colleagues.
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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.
Evotec Leadership Competencies
Active Communication: Communicates actively, working on further clarity and responsiveness
Constructive Feedback: Actively seeks and provides constructive feedback, using it to improve processes and outcomes
Consistent Team Engagement: Engages frequently, fostering a more positive and collaborative environment
Foundational Direction Sharing: Communicates pragmatic directions, leading to general understanding and alignment
Planning: Anticipates problems and improves on proactively taking precautions
Effective Delegation: Delegates tasks effectively, trusting team members to handle responsibilities and providing necessary support and development.
Benefits Package
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Pension on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period. Contributions 5% for employees (salary sacrifice) and 5% for the employer. The employee can opt to increase their contribution, and the employer will match the increase up to a maximum of 7.5%.
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25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days
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Private health insurance with BUPA for the employee and their partner/family under the company scheme
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Well being support 24/7 and counselling services
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Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period
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Private dental cover, on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period
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Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme. This is a discretionary benefit.
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Career progression within the company, we have excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities
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Cycle-to-work scheme
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Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more!
Onsite Facilities
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The company pays for secure onsite parking
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Restaurant, Café, and Gastro pub
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Gym and workout studio, running, walking, and cycling routes
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Good public transport links with the shuttle bus service.
FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.
ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.
