Icosagen is an Estonian biotech company developing biopharmaceuticals and providing custom research services to the pharmaceutical industry. Our analytics team specializes in molecular characterization throughout early-stage discovery and preclinical development, driving the understanding and optimization of therapeutic candidates. 

We are seeking an experienced, skilled and motivated scientist to join the team and advance our mass spectrometry capabilities. The ideal candidate should have expertise in LC-MS based protein and peptide analysis, experience in method development, and optimization of LC-MS/MS applications for antibodies and recombinant proteins of varying complexity. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented scientist who values accuracy, thrives on science, and is dedicated to advancing biomolecular analysis.

SCIENTIST role responsibilities include:

• Develop and apply modern LC-MS/MS methods for characterization of protein and antibody based biotherapeutics and their derivatives, from intact mass analysis to peptide mapping and targeted quantification
• Establish, optimize, and validate methods to support both exploratory and routine analyses of peptides, proteins, and antibodies
• Analyze and interpret MS data, assemble reports to summarize findings
• Ensure reproducibility and high quality of acquired data, and contribute to continuous workflow improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate MS data with other approaches
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance on MS-based methodologies
• Provide scientific support to project managers and business development teams
• Perspective to also take part in structural protein MS in setting up HDX-MS platform to study protein-protein interactions (epitope mapping)

Qualifications & Requirements for the Scientist position:

• PhD in biological sciences or chemistry or 10+ years relevant work experience with protein analysis.
• Strong background and experience with HPLC and mass spectrometry, proficiency in processing and analyzing LC-MS/MS data (Thermo Scientific Orbitrap MS platform). Experience with or interest in HDX-MS is a bonus.
• Knowledge in difference between peptides and proteins, skills to interpret simple MS2 spectra.
• Experience with Chromeleon, Byos, BioPharma Finder, MaxQuant, MSFragger or any other commonly used data analysis platform.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, familiarity with protein analysis techniques or biophysical methods besides LC and/or MS based. Knowledge of protein modifications and their biopharmaceutical characterization is a strong advantage.
• Passion for science - exploring diverse biomolecules and solving complex analytical challenges, looking for novel approaches, methods and platforms to improve and speed up analysis.
• A team-oriented mindset and strong oral and written communication skills in English.

ICOSAGEN offers:

• Employment Contract for unspecified term and a comprehensive company benefits package (wellness, social, company events etc.)
• Inspiring colleagues and challenging projects for professional development
• Relocation allowance if hired from outside Estonia

ESTONIA and TARTU offer:

• A wide range of good quality social benefits for you as a resident and your children (education and childcare, health, annual, parental and child leaves etc)
• Relocation assistance in the form of free services (consultations, contacts, networking) to help you settle in Tartu
• Education in English (IB program) for school aged children is available for Tartu international community in addition to local good quality public and private childcare / educational institutions
• A compact and safe living environment with good cultural, recreational offerings and shopping