Head of Engineered Translation

Who we are:

Life Reimagined

Constructive Bio is a VC-backed biotechnology startup based in Whittlesford, Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology harnesses the power of genome rewriting and genetic code reprogramming to make valuable products that positively impact the world. We will use our platform to turn cells into bio-renewable factories to produce novel molecules that were previously inaccessible to natural biology, with diverse applications in industries spanning healthcare, biological research, materials and electronics.

Constructive Bio is a spinout from Professor Jason Chin's laboratory at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Learn more about the Chin lab achievements here: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/ccsb/jason-chin/

We want to build a team with trust and respect for each other and create a culture of collaboration, openness, curiosity, and scientific excellence.

We are built on three principles:

• We imagine: We think big and plan our own path for success.
• We pioneer: We take action and grow together as one to break moulds.
• We deliver: We take ownership and work together to deliver excellence.

Our Engineered Translation team apply pioneering technology to reprogram and expand the genetic code of living cells, in order to produce biomolecules that were previously unimaginable. Through deep engineering of the protein translation process, we will turn cells into sustainable biofactories for the production of new classes of medicines and biomaterials.

What we’re looking for:

We are looking for an experienced and accomplished leader in protein and/or nucleic acid engineering, ready to apply their skills and passion to genetic code expansion.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of genetic code expansion, non-canonical amino acid (ncAA) incorporation and/or biomolecular engineering.

The successful candidate will lead, manage, grow and support a very competent technical team. You will work with the team to identify and execute key experiments, building a platform for encoding ncAAs for diverse applications in alignment with the company’s strategic goals. This will involve developing and implementing strategies for engineering the protein translation machinery of cells, including tRNAs, tRNA-synthetases, and other components, and their deployment for the bioproduction of non-canonical biopolymers with commercial value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and manage a small but growing multi-disciplinary team to achieve project milestones and research objectives in the discovery and engineering of orthogonal translation machinery.
• Innovation in Research: Drive innovation by developing and implementing new strategies and technologies for genetic code expansion and tRNA/tRNA-synthetase engineering. Your innovative ideas are welcome.
• Scientific Excellence: Ensure that all scientific work (inside and outside the lab) is performed to a high standard of excellence, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster collaborations within the team and with external partners, and communicate scientific findings through publications, presentations, and other knowledge dissemination platforms.
• Resource Management: Oversee project budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure that objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
• Mentoring: Mentor team members and contribute to their professional development and technical expertise in bioengineering.

As an ideal candidate you will have:

• Education: PhD or MSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related field
• Significant experience in the biotechnology sector with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments in delivering projects
• Project leadership and line management experience of small to medium-sized teams
• Excellent prioritisation and planning for short, medium and long-term projects
• Demonstrable experience in biomolecular engineering, directed evolution and/or high-throughput screening
• Understanding of protein synthesis apparatus functioning and its engineering
• Experience in genetic code expansion is a plus
• We welcome candidates from academia if their expertise is aligned with genetic code expansion

Skills:

• Strong leadership and managerial skills
• Experience in Protein or nucleic acid engineering
• In-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques; bioinformatic tools is a plus
• Excellent inter-personal, analytical and communication skills
• Proven track record of scientific publications in reputable journals is welcomed

We are especially keen to meet candidates with:

• Strong network in the bioengineering, biotech and synbio community
• Familiarity with the latest trends and advancements in the field of engineered protein translation

What’s in it for you? Why work at Constructive Bio?

We are a small but rapidly growing team - as an early member, you will be immersed in different aspects of the early company set up and there will be ample opportunities for personal development. This is a unique chance to make a big impact in our platform and company culture. We have recently moved to our new modern offices located in Whittlesford, near Cambridge which offers on-site parking. In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package which includes Private Healthcare and a generous pension contribution.

Constructive Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Agencies - we will not be accepting speculative CV's for this opening.

Candidates - Whilst we would love to talk to everyone individually, it is not possible with the high volume of applicants - however if your CV is reviewed and is suitable for the role,  we can certainly organise an informal discussion with you.