Senior Scientist Biophysics

About Us

Exscientia is an AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing and developing the best possible drugs in the fastest and most effective manner. Exscientia developed the first-ever functional precision oncology platform to successfully guide treatment selection and improve patient outcomes in a prospective interventional clinical study, as well as to progress AI-designed small molecules into the clinical setting.

Our internal pipeline is focused on leveraging our precision medicine platform in Oncology, while our partnered pipeline broadens our approach to other therapeutic areas. By pioneering an innovative approach to medicine creation, we believe the best ideas of science can rapidly become the best medicines for patients.

The Role

We are expanding screening capabilities at our new state of the art laboratories in Milton Park and are seeking experienced, motivated, and dynamic individuals to join the primary pharmacology team. This team provides critical data driving our drug discovery projects and is in charge of conceiving, developing, and executing biophysical, biochemical and cellular assays for a range of target classes, often in areas of novel biology.

As a Biophysics scientist you will play an integral part in driving Exscientia’s drug discovery pipeline by delivering key data to projects. You will advise on the throughput and capacity of assays as well as timings to guide planning of data generation in projects. As a valued member of a technical function, you will maintain the internal reputation of the biophysics capabilities as a provider of high-quality data and information.

Please note this is an on-site/laboratory UK-based role with a requirement for regular/daily office and laboratory activities at the Oxford science park and Bell Labs in Milton park. Flexibility to work from home on occasion is an option. We are a flexible working organisation and we’re willing to consider various options which would provide similar contact time with the team.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop, optimise and validate assays to help drive development of therapeutic small molecules with a focus on compound characterisation and the rapid identification of candidate molecules.
• Support the delivery of projects, executing assays which are central to our HitID capabilities as well as enable advanced compound characterisation and communicating with project teams.
• You will be expected to keep up with the latest scientific developments, evaluate new technologies and will have the opportunity to present both internally and externally.
• This is primarily a laboratory-based positions with scope for continual learning and development and exposure to all scientific disciplines within the drug discovery process from target validation to candidate selection.

Requirements

Essential skills:

• Technical expertise: experience and knowledge in biophysics techniques. Specifically, in SPR, and other biophysical techniques such as BLI, mass photometry, DLS, thermal shift assays is a plus.
• Education: A minimum of a degree with 4 years industry experience applying biophysics or a PhD in a biochemistry related subject.
• As a Technical Lead: You may represent your work across project teams, drive the timely and impactful integration of biophysics techniques to influence and drive project delivery.
• As a problem solver: Develop a range of strategies to manage technical and instrument problems.
• Personal, professional development: You proactively seek opportunities to build your professional expertise and understand the key concepts of biophysics, in particular SPR.
• Team-working: You challenge when appropriate existing practice or methods to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness. Adept at fostering a collaborative environment sustaining a highly performing team.

Benefits

• Join our inclusive, collaborative and intellectually stimulating organisation with strong company values.
• As a learning organisation, we provide access to learning and development opportunities and will place you at the forefront of your career growth at Exscientia.
• We employ brilliant people so we pay highly competitive salaries. Additionally, all our employees are eligible for a company-wide annual bonus and receive both a new joiner and annual share award.
• Enjoy our generous holiday allowance and flexible working approach to find a healthy work-life balance that works for you.
• Create amazing memories or progress your personal and professional development with our four-week paid sabbatical after four years of service.
• We’re leading the way in progressive leave, offering enhanced policies such as generous parental leave, surrogacy, menopause, and family emergency leave so you feel supported no matter the life event.
• Additionally, we support childcare costs for children aged 0-5 through our affordable childcare scheme.
• Take advantage of two generous salary exchange schemes to claim discounts on a brand new electric vehicle and cycling equipment worth up to £3,500.
• As a healthcare company, we understand the importance of health and wellbeing so we provide comprehensive private health insurance, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
• We also provide plenty of access to mental health support including therapy and counselling sessions plus an employee assistance program for help with lifestyle issues such as bereavement, family problems or money management.
• To help safeguard the future for you and your loved ones, we also offer pension and life cover.
• Help yourself to free drinks and snacks in our fully stocked kitchens. Join your colleagues in one of our many breakout areas and get to know the people you are working with. Some of the best ideas start with a coffee break!
• Feel inspired in our high spec labs where you will use state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation that enable you to do your best work.
• We’ll even support your home office environment with an allowance for furniture and equipment to make your space as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Learn more about why our team enjoy working at Exscientia here