Senior Scientist, Biophysics

Job Description

Are you driven by scientific curiosity and passionate about pushing the boundaries of drug discovery?

As a Senior Scientist in Biophysics, your mission is to apply deep biophysical binding characterization expertise—predominantly leveraging Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)—to interrogate novel Bicycle® molecules, unpick complex molecular interactions, and triage screening cascades. Embedded within our innovative Platform Technology group, you will lead assay design, champion exploratory methods, and deliver decisive, high-integrity data that powers therapeutic discovery programs from target engagement to candidate selection.

Responsibilities

Scientific Strategy & Binding Characterization

• Design, optimize, and perform robust biophysical binding assays (predominantly SPR) for the kinetic and affinity characterization of Bicycle® peptides, conjugates, and molecular targets.
• Deliver high-quality, reproducible data with in-depth analysis and insightful kinetic interpretation to triage screening cascades and inform lead optimization.
• Drive exploratory investigations and tailor bespoke biophysical assay formats for novel and historically challenging therapeutic targets.

Biophysical Innovation & Laboratory Excellence

• Explore, implement, and validate orthogonal biophysical technologies (e.g., Carterra high-throughput SPR, AlphaScreen, DSF, FP, HTRF, or mass photometry) to broaden the lab's screening capabilities.
• Partner with computational and structural biology teams to integrate biophysical datasets into Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD) and AI-driven platform workflows.
• Champion laboratory excellence, maintaining rigorous data integrity standards, electronic notebook documentation, and contributing to ongoing operational enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Serve as a key biophysical subject matter expert across multidisciplinary project teams, communicating technical findings clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Own and deliver high-impact scientific presentations that clearly translate complex biophysical data into actionable project recommendations.
• Act as a collaborative role model and mentor, supporting the development of less experienced colleagues and fostering an inclusive, high-performing research environment

Qualifications

Skills and Competencies

Knowledge

• Core Expertise: Demonstrates strong, established expertise within biophysical characterization and applies professional knowledge to complex scientific work. Proactively connects technical expertise to broader discovery and business objectives.
• Data / Insight: Designs and executes complex analytical workflows; integrates multiple data sources to generate actionable insights and recommend practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Influence & Collaboration: Interprets and communicates complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences; builds strong cross-functional relationships, influencing discussions and championing best practices.

Job Complexity

• Task / Project Delivery: Works independently on projects of diverse scope, planning up to six months ahead and delivering reliably against departmental and project milestones.
• Problem-Solving: Evaluates complex data and precedents to adapt existing approaches or formulate novel solutions to overcome technical and experimental hurdles.
• Strategic Impact: Makes informed decisions affecting project delivery; contributes actively to the operational planning and execution of screening cascades aligned with functional strategy.

Independence

• Autonomy: Operates with high independence under established management guidance, determining appropriate methods and recommending improvements to laboratory procedures.
• Decision-Making: Applies sound judgment within established processes to manage experimental priorities, resolve bottlenecks, and steer project delivery.
• Leadership / Mentorship: Provides technical guidance, peer mentorship, and support across the team, role modelling high accountability while driving individual deliverables.

Values & Behaviours

• One Team: Dependable collaborator and role model within the team; champions inclusivity, mutual respect, and cross-functional synergy.
• Adventurous: Embraces curiosity and calculated risk-taking to achieve scientific breakthroughs; actively supports the adoption of new technologies and experimental techniques.
• Dedicated to our Mission: Highly accountable and persistent under pressure; consistently focused on team goals and passionate about delivering extraordinary results for patients.

Qualifications/Experience

• Binding Characterisation Experience: Proven experience in biophysical binding characterisation techniques, ideally SPR.
• Drug Discovery Track Record: Proven experience applying biophysical screening cascades and hit-to-lead characterization workflows within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or advanced research environment.
• Orthogonal Assay Familiarity: Experience with or enthusiasm to learn complementary biophysical/surface techniques (e.g., Carterra, AlphaScreen, DSF, FP, HTRF, or mass photometry).
• Biochemical Acumen: Strong working knowledge of protein biochemistry, protein-ligand interactions, and how biophysical data informs structure-based drug design (SBDD).
• Scientific Communication: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and present complex data to multi-disciplinary audiences

Additional Information

• Pension (10% employer contribution)
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) (including optical and dental cover)
• Health Cash Plan
• Group Life Assurance (4x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to subsidised gym membership
• Time off (28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays & the option to buy up to 5 additional days annually)
• Competitive reward including annual company bonus
• Employee recognition schemes
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Flexible working environment
• State-of-the-art campus environment with on campus restaurant and Montessori nursery
• Eligibility for an option grant to subscribe to shares in Bicycle Therapeutics plc.

Bicycle Therapeutics is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender (including gender reassignment), sexual orientation, age, disability status, marital status, or veteran status.

Bicycle Therapeutics is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, marital status, or veteran status.