Senior Scientist, Novel Therapeutics
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Full-time (onsite)
About the Role
This senior laboratory role is in the Novel Therapeutics team within AbbVie Immunology Discovery Research based in Oxford. The role covers investigation of mechanistic biology, pharmacology and target selection in the context of discovering and developing novel immunological therapies for immunological diseases. The successful candidate will build in vitro assay systems to ask key questions that drive target validation, lead selection and inform go/no‑go decisions. Insights gleaned will inform disease positioning, dose selection and clinical biomarker validation. The role requires close liaison with colleagues in the Immuno‑biology team in Oxford, sharing insights into target biology and supporting their work identifying new targets for discovery programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Bring energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the company
- Engage with literature to build deep understanding of target biology
- Establish and implement in vitro experimental models for assessing antibody pharmacology and mode of action
- Perform critical laboratory experiments and analysis to develop and extend existing methodologies
- Mentor junior scientists in new and novel immunological techniques and methodologies
- Keep up to date with latest developments in immunology by reading literature and attending conferences
- Contribute ideas and suggestions to all DJS programs
- Gather, analyse and present data from a variety of sources to the wider team and organization
- Critically and impartially review self‑ and peer‑generated laboratory data to create tangible actions
- Maintain laboratory experimental records
Qualifications
- A PhD in Immunology or a related field or equivalent level of experience
- Have a passion for immunology and translational biology
- Enthusiasm and commitment to drug development research
- Willingness to work with human tissue samples under an HTA
- Proven expertise and experience in:
- Establishing in vitro models for inflammatory disorders
- Secondary ex vivo cell‑based assays (e.g. FACS/cell sorting, imaging, ELISA/MSD, Western blot, RNA‑seq)
- Statistical analysis, power calculations and experimental design
- Establishing translational primary cell assays and developing them for reproducible high‑throughput screening
- Desirable characteristics:
- Working with preclinical models for therapeutic antibody development
- Previous UK PIL licence (or equivalent) with experience executing in vivo studies in pre‑clinical models
- Building and maintaining collaborative networks across multiple organizations
- Working within an industrial setting on a drug development program
- Experience with organoids or organ‑on‑a‑chip models
- Experience with contract research organisations
- Antibody binding techniques such as ELISA, FACS, SPR, etc.
- Evidence of excellent organisational and interpersonal skills:
- Work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work efficiently with strong attention to detail
- Ability to build effective relationships within large organisations and across different time zones
- Ability to work flexible hours when required
- Proven written and oral communication ability
- Problem‑solving skills
- Flexible and adaptable with an all‑inclusive goal‑orientated mindset
- Working under a Human Tissue Authority licence
Additional Information
Please note, we are hiring for multiple positions. The final level and grade of this role may be adjusted based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Equal Opportunity Employment
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.
