Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology

Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
AbbVie

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to discover and validate immunological pathways for new therapies.
  • Company: Join AbbVie, a leader in innovative medicine with a focus on impactful health solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with experts and tackle exciting scientific challenges in a supportive team.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives by advancing groundbreaking therapeutics.
  • Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area; leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.

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.

DJS-AbbVie is an AbbVie R&D hub based in Oxford, created following AbbVie’s acquisition of Oxford biotech company DJS Antibodies. As part of AbbVie, we aim to develop new medicines that improve the lives of patients with immunological and neurological diseases, as well as cancer. To achieve this, we have built and are now expanding an R&D hub in Oxford that brings together human‑centric biology, drug design and discovery, with mechanistic clinical testing.

This role is the most senior immuno‑biologist on the Oxford site and the leader of a group of six or more scientists. The holder will play a vital part in the site’s success, unlocking novel biology and translating it into new therapeutic targets.

The leader will oversee two categories of immunology research:

  • Work undertaken in the DJS‑AbbVie labs by their team of six or more reports
  • Academic and other external collaborations spanning bench‑top post‑doctoral projects as well as large experimental medicine studies

Key Responsibilities:

  • Discover and validate immunological pathways and targets for novel therapeutic discovery.
  • Lead a team of six or more direct reports, fostering a group of biologists and immunologists from a range of backgrounds and experience levels.
  • Oversee and shape external collaborations and provide scientific input and strategic leadership on these, including drafting of project plans.
  • Ensure high‑quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment, and robust contingency planning.
  • Develop immunology capabilities within the Oxford site including building new assays and techniques, and identify key new equipment.
  • Maintain close relationships with US‑based stakeholders across a range of functions including the wider Immunology research department, as well as precision medicine and clinical development.
  • Model a culture of immunology excellence, tracking the latest trends and developments, while translating these into translational, drug discovery experimental and project plans.
  • Act as a biology lead on DJS‑AbbVie portfolio programs, and mentor team members when they are acting in this capacity.
  • Act as an immunology extended senior staff leadership team member, lead cross‑functional initiatives and departmental steering committees.
  • Apply imagination and innovation to create new techniques and conceive breakthrough ideas.
  • Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non‑scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications:

  • Proven ability to produce robust biological insights as demonstrated through track record of either: successful target identification and validation leading to therapeutic candidates; academic publications of substantial impact; or other evidence of output.
  • Track record in successful research program design and delivery.
  • Experience leading and mentoring more junior scientists.
  • Experience in drug discovery programmes or target identification and validation in immunology.
  • Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external collaborators.
  • Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence across internal functions and seniority levels as well as external collaborators.

Education:

  • BS/ MS or PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area.

Desirable Characteristics:

  • Experience in drug delivery to candidate nomination and beyond, or early clinical development.
  • Practical experience in human biology bench‑top techniques such as explants or complex in vitro model systems.
  • Practical experience with mouse models.
  • Practical experience in extracting value from human‑derived molecular and cellular datasets.

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 organization, and the chance to help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

Equal Opportunity Statement: AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.

Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology employer: AbbVie

AbbVie is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at its Oxford R&D hub, where innovation thrives in the pursuit of groundbreaking therapies for immunological and neurological diseases. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises scientific excellence, mentorship, and professional growth, alongside opportunities to engage with leading experts and contribute to impactful research that transforms patient lives. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AbbVie fosters a supportive atmosphere that empowers its team members to excel and make meaningful contributions to the future of medicine.

AbbVie

Contact Detail:

AbbVie Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at AbbVie on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into AbbVie's recent projects and breakthroughs in immunology. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the company's mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice your presentation skills! You’ll likely need to present scientific concepts to various audiences. Make sure you can explain complex ideas clearly and confidently.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology

Immunology Research
Team Leadership
Project Planning
Experimental Design
Collaboration Management
Biological Insights
Drug Discovery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Research Scientist II role. Highlight your experience in immunology and drug discovery, and show us how your skills align with AbbVie's mission to tackle serious health issues.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your experience in mentoring and guiding junior scientists. We want to see how you can foster a culture of excellence and collaboration within your team.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, making it easy for us to see your potential fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at AbbVie

Know Your Immunology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in immunology. AbbVie is looking for someone who can translate complex biological concepts into actionable insights, so be prepared to discuss recent advancements and how they could impact therapeutic targets.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As the Principal Research Scientist II, you'll be leading a team of scientists. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully mentored others and fostered collaboration in previous roles. Highlight your experience in guiding research projects and how you’ve navigated challenges in team dynamics.

Prepare for Strategic Discussions

You’ll need to draft project plans that align with AbbVie’s drug discovery priorities. Think about how you would approach strategic planning and risk assessment in your past projects. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high-quality experimental design and contingency planning.

Communicate Like a Pro

Excellent communication skills are key, especially when presenting to diverse audiences. Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced stakeholders in the past and how you can effectively convey your ideas to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.