At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative drug discovery projects and shape scientific strategies for patient impact.
- Company: Join AbbVie, a global leader in advancing novel therapeutics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with mentorship opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge science.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: Experience in drug discovery and expertise in cellular therapies or antibody engineering.
Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.co.uk.
Job Description
At DJS-AbbVie, we are advancing novel therapeutics and translating immunological science into innovative R&D programmes with the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients. As a UK-based discovery hub within AbbVie Immunology, we combine the focus and agility of a specialist team with the resources and ambition of a global pharmaceutical company.
We are now entering an exciting phase of team growth and scientific progression in Oxford. To support this next stage, we are seeking an experienced and highly capable drug hunter to join us as Principal Research Scientist I within our existing Novel Therapeutics - Cellular Depletion Team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to work that is scientifically ambitious, strategically important, and directly connected to patient impact. You will help shape programmes that aim to deplete pathogenic cells and enable long-term disease modification, while working in an environment that values scientific ownership, deep expertise, and collaborative problem-solving.
Why this role?
- Autonomy: In this role, you will have significant scope to shape scientific strategy, influence portfolio direction, and act as molecule lead on selected programmes where appropriate. You will work closely with the team leader and cross-functional partners to define approaches, assess risk, and guide experimental plans.
- Mastery: This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to deepen and apply expertise in drug discovery and immunology focusing on cellular depletion via any available modalities. You will have the opportunity to tackle challenging discovery questions and complex protein designs, contribute original ideas and champion innovative methods ultimately enhancing the scientific capability within the team. You will also mentor colleagues, share knowledge, and help develop a strong drug discovery mindset across the function.
- Purpose: Our work is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for patients with serious and challenging diseases. In this role, you will help advance novel therapeutics with the potential to achieve durable disease improvement beyond symptomatic treatment. Your contributions will support programme progression from concept to candidate nomination, influence translational strategy, and help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.
Successful applicant's key responsibilities:
- Where appropriate act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing technical expertise and cross-functional leadership as teams form around assets.
- Together with the team leader develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with AbbVie’s overall immunology strategy.
- Serve as a key lab focused scientist at the DJS-AbbVie Oxford site, and ultimately act as a recognised scientific expert within the wider AbbVie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action.
- Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, development sciences, clinical development, and precision medicine.
- Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning.
- Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends and translate relevant insights into functional objectives.
- Apply imagination and innovation to create and implement new or improved approaches and breakthrough ideas.
- Proactively share knowledge to build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
- Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development.
- Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non-scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.
Applicant’s essential attributes:
- Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programs with at least one proven example of a cell depletion modality.
- Education - BS, MS or PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area.
- Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies.
- Creative and practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies.
- Recognised as an expert in your discipline, internally and ideally externally.
- Strong publication, presentation, regulatory and/or patent record.
- Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences.
Applicant’s desired attributes:
- Recognised expert in using cellular therapies e.g. CAR-T, CAR-NK, CAR-Treg, etc.
- OR recognised expert in complex antibody engineering including bispecific and novel formats.
- Strong background in translational biology.
Additional Information
DJS-AbbVie is part of AbbVie Immunology and is focused on advancing novel therapeutics to address serious and challenging diseases. Our work is driven by scientific excellence, collaboration and a commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients. Working at DJS-AbbVie offers the opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious team, with exposure to a broad range of scientific challenges, close collaboration with experts across the wider organisation, and the chance to help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.
Principal Scientist I – Novel Therapeutics in Oxford employer: AbbVie
AbbVie is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, particularly in the healthcare sector. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees have access to numerous growth opportunities and training programs, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers. Located in a vibrant area, AbbVie also offers unique benefits such as flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist I – Novel Therapeutics in Oxford
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show AbbVie that you have the hands-on skills they need.
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How to prepare for a job interview at AbbVie
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at AbbVie. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
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Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into AbbVie's culture.
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