Job Description

We are seeking a highly capable and motivated scientist to join our membrane protein production team. The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics and have a good understanding of small molecules and/or biologics drug discovery. Through lab-based leadership, you will be responsible for the execution of multiple discovery projects.

Job Title: Senior Scientist I (Membrane Protein Biochemist)

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 

• Design and execution of agreed work plans for the production and characterization of membrane proteins.

• Responsible for supporting multiple projects and may be asked to direct internal resources to achieve agreed goals.

• Will be expected to provide oversight of results to ensure quality to project specifications.

• Accountable, together with project counterparts, for the design of experiments, review of documentation, and client presentations. Will conduct thorough data analysis ahead of product release to internal or external customers.

• Proposes experimental designs and novel approaches to identify/advance best strategies in addition to planning/executing project deliverables.

• Responsible for the implementation of standalone scientific services and deliverables to customers.

• Where responsible for reports, will lead colleagues to co-develop plans for personal growth, aligned to business needs.

• 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 

• Comprehensive knowledge of membrane protein biochemistry & biophysics with a proven ability to design and deliver results within agreed timelines and budget, meeting agreed quality criteria.

• Experience in the design of membrane protein constructs to optimise functional expression in eukaryotic expression systems.

• Extensive hands-on experience with insect and mammalian cell expression systems and multi-step chromatography purification. Proficiency with FPLC/ HPLC purification systems. Analytical UHPLC experience is a plus.

• Expert in the optimisation of protein expression and purification workflows to obtain pure and stable membrane protein samples.

• Demonstrated success working with challenging membrane protein targets e.g. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, solute carriers, and integral membrane enzymes. A good understanding of different modalities (e.g. agonist/ antagonist for GPCRs, blockers/ activators for ion channels) across multiple therapeutic areas would be desirable.

• Experience with biochemical and biophysical characterization of purified membrane proteins using a range of techniques such as fluorescence size-exclusion chromatography (fSEC), DLS, nanoDSF, mass spectrometry, SPR, GCI, and microcalorimetry.

• Extensive knowledge of what constitutes a good membrane protein sample for structural (X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM) and biophysical studies (SPR/GCI, HDX-MS).

• Experience in the solubilization and stabilization of membrane proteins into co-polymers (e.g. Amphipols, Cubipols).

• Experience in developing protein binders (Fabs, VHHs, synthetic binders) for complex targets would be advantageous.

• Experience in high-throughput methodologies with associated data capture and handling.

• Experience with using in silico-based tools for sequence and structural analysis is desired (e.g. PyMOL, AlphaFold).

• Experience in preparing and executing work plans and building trusted partnerships with internal and external customers.

• Requires a track record of leading scientists across specialist fields.

• A track record of facilitating employee growth through co-development of personal development plans would be appreciated.

• Track record of successful problem-solving, high-quality science and influencing stakeholders and colleagues.

• Experience of scientific development and research work, ideally with publications on membrane proteins.

• Presents and publishes as appropriate peer-reviewed science, increasing own and Evotec’s scientific reputation.

Education and Qualifications

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology or similar, with proven experience in membrane protein expression and purification with relevant experience within industry. Alternatively, a relevant first degree and several years of additional experience in drug discovery. Candidates with strong academic background and an excellent publication record are also encouraged to apply.

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.

Occasional Planning: Begins anticipating 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

• 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%.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days
• Private health insurance with BUPA for the employee and their partner/family under the company scheme
• Well being support 24/7 and counselling services
• Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period
• Private dental cover, on completion (but not subject to) of your 3-month probationary period
• Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme. This is a discretionary benefit.
• Career progression within the company, we have excellent training and support and continuing professional development opportunities
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Refer a friend scheme, team and annual events, recognition awards and many more!

Onsite Facilities

• The company pays for secure onsite parking
• Restaurant, Café, and Gastro pub
• Gym and workout studio, running, walking, and cycling routes
• Good public transport links with the shuttle bus service.

***Please note closing date for all applications will be Thursday 9th July 2026***

We may close this earlier depending on the number of applications received

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.