Principal Scientist, Applications

About Portal Biotech

Portal Biotech is developing next-generation bench-top instruments for proteomics, building on decades of in-house expertise in nanopore technology. By analysing full-length protein molecules at the single-molecule level, our platform delivers rapid, real-time information on protein identity, abundance, and structure. This insight opens frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental research, helping scientists and clinicians to better understand human health and disease.

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Scientist to join our Applications team. Based in our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, and reporting to the Head of Applications, this primarily on-site, lab-based role will blend a strong background in proteomics and biochemistry with commercial acumen to demonstrate the value of Portal’s nanopore-based proteomics platform. You will have a deep technical understanding of the foundational work from our R&D teams and be able to connect that work with commercial opportunities by developing novel and robust protocols, reagents and kits.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Identify and scope novel applications suited to Portal’s internal R&D work and commercial strategy
• Build and lead a team that translates R&D findings into applications
• Plan, perform and analyse laboratory-based experiments
• Train scientists, lead by technical example and instil Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and excellent EHS practice
• Manage complex projects with many interdependencies and ensure delivery to timelines
• Contribute to Portal’s intellectual property (IP)
• Regularly present updates to other teams at Portal and the Executive Team
• Contribute to Portal’s customer literature, including protocols, academic publications and white papers
• Engage with and understand the requirements of companies and academics as part of Portal’s Early Access programme
• Keep up-to-date with developments in the field by reading literature and attending conferences. *Some national and international travel may be required.*
• Opportunities for line-managing scientists within the team
• Opportunities for lab management

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry or a related discipline with 5+ years’ postdoctoral and/or industrial experience, or BSc/MSc in Biochemistry with 8+ years’ industrial experience
• Demonstrable evidence of success, such as in publishing relevant high-profile papers, speaking at international conferences, or contribution to IP
• A strong theoretical background in molecular and cellular biochemistry, preferably with direct experience in proteomics
• Technical expertise in protein biochemistry, including modification, conjugation, expression, purification and characterisation
• A deep understanding of the state-of-the-art in proteomics, including limitations of current methods
• Demonstrated history of project delivery, as shown by patent applications or publications
• Strong analytical and presentational skills; comfortable engaging with audiences of different expertise and seniority
• Self-motivated, independent as an individual and success in leadership
• Line management experience and/or supervision of scientists

Desirable

• Experience with single-molecule biophysics, such as fluorescence imaging or nanopores
• Knowledge of handling eukaryotic (human, yeast, plant) cell lines and methods for protein purification. Experience in human cell line handling is extremely desirable
• Lab management and line management experience
• Hands-on experience with mass spectrometry or in handling MS data
• Hands-on experience with programming (particularly Python) and command-line interfaces
• Hands-on experience with machine learning in a scientific setting
• Experience in automation and/or DoE
• Familiarity with quality management systems, e.g. ISO 9001

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are passionate about developing cutting-edge scientific tools and want to contribute to breakthrough innovations in proteomics, we encourage you to apply!