At Obulytix, we engineer and develop a groundbreaking new class of enzyme-based antibiotics to combat the ongoing antimicrobial resistance crisis. Join us in our mission to provide concrete solutions to this global challenge and save the lives of countless patients. Apply today and help to make the difference, or refer a friend!
As Senior Scientist Preclinical microbiology, you will leverage your industry experience in developing microbial assays and functional characterization of therapeutic proteins to enhance Obulytixs discovery and development capabilities. You will enhance the existing high throughput hit discovery and lead optimization processes, by implementing robust and scalable assays, and actively supporting the translation from in vitro findings to in vivo efficacy.
Obulytix is a young biotech, providing an exciting and dynamic environment where growth opportunities abound. As an employee in a small but enthusiastic team, you are not just a number. We are supported by corporate and venture capital, and are focused on building the best possible team culture from our home base in Ghent one of Belgiums foremost biotech clusters.
Obulytix is an equal opportunities employer. We offer our employees competitive compensation and a wide range of benefits and career progression opportunities.
JOB DESCRIPTION Senior Scientist Preclinical microbiology
POSITION:
Senior Scientist, Discovery (Preclinical microbiology)
2-year fixed term contract Full-time on-site
REPORTS TO:
Team Leader, Discovery
JOB PURPOSE:
Functional characterization of Obulytixs novel lysin products
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Development, optimization and validation of antimicrobial assays, including high throughput/automation amenable methods
Functional characterization of lysins in microbial growth curves and other cell killing format assays (growth curve inhibition based on OD or metabolic activity, time-kill assays, MIC assays)
Mechanism of action experiments and investigation of drug resistance studies (single agent/dual agent experiments, hollow fibre infection model (HFIM), ...)
Design and oversee in vivo experiments by third parties, e.g., bacteremia, urinary tract infections, lung- or wound infections, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics studies
Develop, write and validate SOPs for lysin functional assessment
Ensuring continuous quality assurance through proper strain management and identification including whole genome sequencing
Contribution to cross-functional project teams, preparing and presenting work and project updates
Contribute new ideas and opinions to scientific discussions to enhance process and new technologies development
Work closely with the line manager and other members of the Discovery Team, as needed, to deliver solutions or improvements in preclinical technology development, includingbut not limited tothe development and implementation of antimicrobial assays
Work independently to design carry out and interpret experiments, keeping up to date with relevant literature and techniques
From time to time undertake other Discovery activities as required by your line manager
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience
PhD in a relevant biological discipline or BSc/MSc with significant (>3y) relevant industrial experience
Laboratory experience in an industrial setting required
Expertise in the design of experiments, interpretation of data and trouble shooting essential
Understanding of antimicrobial therapeutics, specifically biologics, and their discovery and development
Skills and Knowledge
Working knowledge of a broad range of microbial procedures
Experience in executing regulatory compliant assays, including MIC assays
Experience in developing, optimizing and troubleshooting antimicrobial activity assays
Experience with growth curve quantification devices (Omnilog, LogPhase600, MSE Pro, Bioscreen or similar) and colony counting devices (PhenoBooth+, ColonyDoc-It, AutoCol or similar) is a plus
Experience with mechanism of action and resistance development studies
Knowledge and experience in translation from in vitro to in vivo antimicrobial activity testing (Galleria mellonella insect models, mouse infection models)
Knowledge and experience of molecular biology and protein engineering would be an advantage
Knowledge and experience in automation, including system handling and scripting, would be an advantage
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