Antibody Discovery Platform Lead in Oxford

At DJS Antibodies, a subsidiary of AbbVie, we are developing next‑generation antibody therapeutics for immunological diseases and cancers. This role focuses on integrating our advanced technologies into a unified platform and driving discovery for challenging targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate diverse discovery technologies into one unified platform.
• Lead a small team and work at the bench to deliver lead antibodies.
• Develop systems for tracking, curating, and exploiting data from discovery campaigns.
• Perform critical laboratory experiments and analyses to extend existing technologies.
• Characterize novel formats for integral membrane proteins, such as virus‑like particles and nanodiscs.
• Mentor junior scientists in new biochemical techniques.
• Act as the go‑to expert for antibody discovery technology.
• Stay current with literature on antibody discovery technologies.
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to all DJS programs.
• Develop and refine DJS internal laboratory capabilities.
• Gather, analyze, and present data to the wider team and organization.
• Critically review lab data to create actionable outcomes.
• Maintain laboratory experimental records.
• Bring energy, enthusiasm, and positivity to the company.

Skills and Experience

• A PhD or equivalent experience in a research laboratory and significant experience within antibody discovery organizations.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to drug development research.
• Proven experience in therapeutic antibody drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in:
• Isolating and enriching antibody‑secreting or memory B cells.
• Single‑B‑cell isolation or phage display techniques.
• Flow cytometry.
• Molecular biology of antibodies (amplifying VH and VL domains, basic VDJ genetics, etc.).
• Antibody cloning, expression, and purification techniques.
• Construction and curation of Ig gene sequence libraries using tools such as PipeBio, Genedata, and Geneious Biologics.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with antibody isolation from single B‑cells and phage display.
• Experience with 10X Genomics or similar sequencing for variable region sequencing.
• Delivery of therapeutic format antibodies with drug‑like properties.
• High‑throughput antibody screening assay experience.
• Therapeutic antibody optimization: humanization, affinity optimization, liability removal.
• Protein biochemistry techniques such as FPLC.
• Experience collaborating with contract research organizations.
• Binding technique experience: ELISA, FACS, SPR, etc.
• Experience with experimental rodents and cell isolation.

Evidence of Organizational and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to lead a small team, if required.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and efficient workflow.
• Ability to build effective relationships, including with AbbVie colleagues in the US.
• Laboratory method development.
• Flexible scheduling when required.
• Proven written and oral communication skills.
• Problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong IT skills are essential.

Working at DJS offers a stimulating entrepreneurial environment, exposure to industry‑leading experts, competitive remuneration, and significant career development opportunities. AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity and embraces diversity and inclusion. We employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status.