Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Protein Science

Confo Therapeutics is the only GPCR company with a discovery engine that precisely targets the desired GPCR  conformations. This unique capability allows us to unlock a vast untapped potential for the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines. We are advancing a robust pipeline of small molecules and antibody-based therapeutics focused on validated targets in endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as addressing a broader array of critical unmet medical needs in collaboration with our partners. Our team of around 50 people is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our capabilities, and building out our pipeline to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Confo Therapeutics is located in the Technology Park in Ghent. More information about Confo’s technology and strategy can be found on www.confotherapeutics.com.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual structural biologist to join our Protein Science team.

You will be involved in multiple exciting projects on the structural studies of GPCR complex with small molecules or biologics. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to work as a structural biologist in industry and make significant impact on the applications of ConfoStructure® towards cutting-edge GPCR drug discovery.

• Conduct laboratory-based research to develop optimal strategies for constructs design, purifying, characterizing GPCR targets, integrating key steps in gene-to-structure Confo-workflow

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including molecular engineering, medicinal chemistry, CADD (Computer-Aided Drug Design), and de novo antibody discovery, to support structure-based drug discovery for GPCR targets

• Leverage advanced techniques such as cryo-EM or crystallography to resolve GPCR structures in both active and inactive states, enabling the development of proprietary compounds for structure-based drug design

• Stay engaged with state-of-the-art advancements in structural biology, particularly in GPCR applications, and actively foster innovation within team-driven structural biology initiatives

Your profile

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, with a minimum of 2-year experience in biotech or pharmaceutical companies

• Experience with GPCR or membrane protein constructs design and expressions in insect and mammalian cells

• Proven track record in GPCR purification and structural elucidation, showcasing expertise in this critical area of drug discovery

• Extensive hands-on experience across the full single-particle cryo-EM workflow, including protein vitrification, high-resolution structure determination of integral membrane proteins, and adept use of tools such as CryoSPARC, RELION, ChimeraX, Phenix, and Coot for data processing, electron density mapping, and model building

• Advanced skills in using AlphaFold and similar computational platforms for protein design, structure prediction via homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and protein-ligand docking is a plus

• Expertise in GPCR characterization methods, including fluorescence/analytical-SEC, thermostability assays, ITC, ligand binding studies, and G protein activation, complemented by hands-on experience with biophysical technologies like thermal shift assays or DSF, DLS, GCI or SPR

• A results-driven, team-oriented professional with a strong collaborative mindset, adept at both contributing to and leading projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Fluent in English, with excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific findings to interdisciplinary teams and key organizational stakeholders

Our offer:

• A competitive compensation package with extensive benefits

• An entrepreneurial and stimulating working environment in a growing and ambitious biotech company

• Opportunities for further professional education and development

Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Molecular Engineering

Confo Therapeutics is the only GPCR company with a discovery engine that precisely targets desired GPCR conformations. This unique capability allows us to unlock a vast untapped potential for the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines. We are advancing a robust pipeline of large and small molecules focused on validated targets in endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as addressing a broader array of critical unmet medical needs in collaboration with our partners. Our team of around 50 people is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our capabilities, and building out our pipeline in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes for patients.
 

Confo Therapeutics is located on the Technology Park in Ghent. More information about Confo’s technology and strategy can be found on www.confotherapeutics.com

For the expansion of our molecular engineering team we are currently looking for a
(jr) Research Associate Molecular Engineering.

The chosen candidate will be working in a collaborative team contributing to workflows for the production and characterization of antibody drug candidates.

The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:

• Production of VHHs and VHH-Fc fusions in bacterial, yeast and mammalian host cells

• Purification and QC (a.o. SDS-PAGE, Western Blot) of VHHs and VHH-Fc fusions

• Design and ordering of plasmid constructs for expression of antibody fragments (VHH) and VHH-Fc fusions

• Assessment of biophysical stability of antibodies: DSF, aSEC, turbidity, DLS

• Careful documentation of experimental work, provide high-quality data on time and report results within electronic lab notebook

• Prepare and effectively present your experimental results (written and oral) to project teams

• Have strong interpersonal skills and interact effectively with your direct collaborators

• Help maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory levels for laboratory supply

Required expertise:

Our preferred candidate will have the following profile:

• Degree of Bachelor or Master in Life sciences or equivalent.

• Experience in a related field in biotech or pharma environment is a plus

• Experience with production and purification of VHHs and/or antibodies is a plus

• Experience in molecular biology, more specifically in cloning, DNA extraction and PCR, is an advantage

• Highly collaborative, self-motivated, team-oriented individual

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly integrated team environment where accuracy, accountability and timeliness are essential

Our offer:

• A competitive compensation package with extensive benefits;

• The chance to continuously grow as a professional, with exposure to all aspects of R&D in the company;

• A job where you can make the difference;

• An entrepreneurial and stimulating working environment in a growing and ambitious biotech company.

Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Didn’t find what you are looking for, but our website has sparked your interest?

We are always looking for great talent, and we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV/resume and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in joining Confo Therapeutics.

Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Assay Development & Screening

Confo Therapeutics is the only GPCR company with a discovery engine that precisely targets desired GPCR conformations. This unique capability allows us to unlock a vast untapped potential for the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines. We are advancing a robust pipeline of large and small molecules focused on validated targets in endocrine and metabolic diseases, as well as addressing a broader array of critical unmet medical needs in collaboration with our partners. Our team of around 50 people is dedicated to advancing our technology, expanding our capabilities, and building out our pipeline in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes for patients

Confo Therapeutics is located on the Technology Park in Ghent. More information about Confo’s technology and strategy can be found on www.confotherapeutics.com.

For the expansion of our drug discovery team in Ghent we are currently looking for a (m/f):

Research Associate Assay Development and Screening team

• Work on the development of new screening assays to extend the Confo technology platform

• Develop, optimize and run high-throughput screening assays

• Validate assays on new targets towards drug discovery

• Run assays to support ConfoBodyTM characterization and drug discovery programs using different techniques such as cell based assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ELISA, HTRF, …

• Analyze and interpret your own research data and create reports using established software tools and systems

• Provide high-quality data on time and report results within electronic lab notebook

• Communicate/Present your experimental progress to line management and/or project teams

• Handle multiple projects in parallel with overlapping deadlines

Required expertise

• Degree of Professional Bachelor in Laboratory Technology or Biotechnology (Laboratory Technician A1), Bachelor or Master in Industrial Sciences (Industrial Engineer), Biochemistry, Biotechnology or equivalent

• Experience in a related field in biotech or pharma environment is a plus

• Experience in cell culture handling and performing protein binding assays and/or cellular assays would be an advantage

• Highly collaborative, self-motivated, team-oriented, problem-solving skilled individual

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly integrated team environment where accuracy, accountability and timeliness are essential

• Ability to keep accurate and complete records of all scientific experiments according to established procedures.

• You are fluent in English and can communicate research results to the team and cross-functional stakeholders across the company

Our offer

• A competitive compensation package with extensive benefits;

• The chance to continuously grow as a professional.

• A job where you can make the difference;

• An entrepreneurial and stimulating working environment in a growing and ambitious biotech company with exposure to all aspects of R&D in the company.