Senior Research Associate

Company Description
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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Job Description

• Based at DJS Antibodies in Headington, Oxford
• Reporting to Senior Scientist II

At DJS Antibodies, we aspire to create the next generation of antibody therapeutics and in doing so improving the prognosis for patients with life-changing immunological diseases and cancers. As a biotech company within AbbVie, we combine the agility, team spirit and scientific focus of a biotech with the reach and vision of a global pharmaceutical company. We have developed a number of drug candidates to date and are looking forward to growing our portfolio to have the biggest impact on patients\’ lives.
A critical part of achieving our vision is working with fantastic people, and as such we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Research Assistant/Senior Research Assistant to join the team. For this role, candidates should be excited about working in a small, dynamic team; always keen to get involved with all aspects of research at DJS; be a team player; have a high level of skill and passion for in vivo work. This position represents an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin or solidify their career within an industry laboratory research environment working on innovative projects whilst developing a variety of new skills.
Job Overview
The successful candidate will work closely with the PPL holder to plan experiments such as immunisation to generate antibody responses and testing the biological effects of lead antibodies that we have discovered. They will be responsible for preparing biological materials for these experiments, performing the required in vivo techniques and analysing the results. They will also have the opportunity to carry out laboratory experiments utilising molecular biology, cell culture, antibody production and various assay techniques to support the DJS discovery activities as a key member of the team. In addition to on-site laboratory work they will be required to work with live rodent models and animal derived tissues in the off-site facility for up to 50% of time.
At DJS, we want to foster innovative scientists performing cutting-edge science. A successful applicant will be a practical person who is organised, pays attention to detail, and efficiently gets the job done. Previous experience in a range of analytical techniques is preferred but is not essential as training will be provided.
They will have many opportunities for scientific career development and improvement of their knowledge of a world leading R&D/drug development pipeline and the broader business both at DJS and within AbbVie.
Successful applicant\’s key responsibilities

• Bringing energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the company
• Animal model husbandry
• Performing experiments with live animals
• Collection of animal derived tissues
• Maintenance of cell cultures
• Transient protein expression with mammalian cell lines
• Work as a key member of the DJS discovery team
• Performing critical laboratory experiments and analysing the data to contribute to strategic decision making within DJS discovery
• Keeping up to date with developments in the literature in relation to technical aspects of drug discovery technologies
• Day-to-day laboratory management as part of the team e.g. maintaining a safe and clean working laboratory environment, re-ordering laboratory consumables
• Establishing and maintaining quality sample archives
• Gathering, analysing and presenting data from a variety of sources to the wider team and organization
• Critical and impartial review of self and peer generated laboratory data
• Maintenance of laboratory experimental records
• Follow established procedures, protocols and study plans and recommend changes for refinement. Adhere to regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• A BSc of 2:1 level or higher with intercalated year in industrial/academic research and/or an MSc/MRes or higher degree with significant lab experience in a relevant discipline (such as Biology, Biochemistry, pathology, cell biology or Natural Sciences)
• A current UK PIL AB licence (or equivalent) with 5 years experience in working with animal models.
• Proven competencies in in vivo procedures in experimental rodents
  • For example: intravenous, intramuscular, intrapertitoneal, sub-cutaneous injections, blood sampling, schedule 1 methods, use of anesthetics.
  • It will be a requirement to pass a 6-month probationary period at DJS that the candidate is declared competent in all relevant techniques by the vivarium staff.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to drug discovery and drug development research
• Proven recent experience in
  • Performing in vivo experiments in experimental rodents
  • Mammalian cell culture
  • Molecular and biochemical techniques (such as; bacterial cell culture; flow cytometry; PCR; ELISA; protein expression and purification)
• Evidence of excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work efficiently with strong attention to detail
  • Ability to build effective working relationships
  • Laboratory method development
  • Ability to work flexible hours when required
  • Proven written and oral communicative ability
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Strong IT skills
• Desirable skills
  • Experience with running experimental models of inflammation in rodents
  • PIL C licence and experience with surgical techniques. Good knowledge of statistics

Additional Information
About DJS Antibodies
At DJS Antibodies as part of AbbVie our ambition is to contribute world class novel antibody therapeutics for the treatment of severe diseases into AbbVies clinical pipeline. Our proprietary antibody discovery technology enables us to discover first in class antibodies to the key drivers of disease that have, until now, been intractable to drug discovery such as GPCR\’s and other complex membrane and soluble targets.
Working at DJS will involve coming into a stimulating and entrepreneurial work environment with excellent exposure to industry-leading experts. Being part of a small team means that you will be exposed to all aspects of R&D and the broader business. You will benefit from working with a great team, a competitive remuneration package and significant opportunities for career development.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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