Principal Scientist – Immunology

My client, an innovative Biotech based in Saffron Walden (just outside Cambridge) is looking for an experienced Principal Immunologist to join their ever growing In Vitro Assay Development team.

We are looking for a Principal Scientist to join our Biology Team who has a deep passion for immunology and a broad understanding of the role of lymphocytes and myeloid cells in inflammatory diseases and immuno-oncology. As Principal Scientist, you will support our efforts in the Biology Team to identify, design and implement key assays to explore the biology of targets and potential antibody therapeutics. The successful candidate will work closely with internal and external collaborators to establish biologically relevant assays. These data will drive the program and enable selection of antibody development candidates to make a meaningful difference for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and cancer. This is an opportunity for an innovative scientist to contribute to early-stage products and enable their path through to clinical application.

• Providing leadership and day-to-day management of in vitro immunology group to achieve project and organizational goals.
• Strategic direction of the immunology activities of the team to enable design and delivery of assays to support identification of hits and profiling of leads aligned with the target biology and mechanism.
• Hands on lab-based design, implementation, and evaluation of experiments to establish the efficacy of receptors/ligands/antibodies in T-cell, B-cell and in particular myeloid cellular models, including co-culture assays (for example DC – T cell antigen presentation)
• Immune cell profiling using a range of techniques including Elispot, FACS sorting/analysis, ELISA and killing assays
• Development and implementation of new technologies as required by the projects.
• Isolation of myeloid and other immune cells from blood and potentially tissue sorts using positive and negative selection strategies
• Actively contributing to a vibrant and innovative working environment where improvements and new ideas are adopted and freely shared among the teams
• Providing expert technical direction, challenge and problem solving in projects
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results
• Writing reports and summaries, preparation of study reports and regulatory documents
• Work collaboratively with the Data Sciences and Antibody Discovery teams to gain an integrated biological understanding of target biology and its role in disease
• Establish strong working relationships with CRO partners in order to collaborate and foster information exchange and to enable efficient execution of work packages
• Providing scientific coaching and mentorship for less experienced scientists in the team, as well as other scientists in our matrixed environment.

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, strong scientific background, and deep expertise in immunology
• Strong publication record in immunology – related journals
• At least 6+ years’ experience in scientific and leadership roles preferably within biopharma companies, including experience working to develop antibody-based therapies
• Experience leading a small team of immunologists a plus
• Proven experience of relevant immunological laboratory techniques (human required, mouse plus) including the isolation and profiling of immune subpopulations, Flow cytometry/FACs, MSD/ELISA, etc
• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others.
• Attention to detail and excellent analytical skills and understanding of statistical methods, preparation of reports, summaries, and regulatory documents
• Experienced at managing complex external collaborations/partnerships and CROs, to successfully achieve project goals
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment, showing agility/flexibility to meet deadlines and goals and with a can-do attitude
• Experience training and mentoring of team members to maximize their potential and develop the capabilities of the team
• Ability to proactivity troubleshoot and work independently
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Inclusive, open-minded, collaborative, and forward-thinking