Principal Research Scientist II, Immuno-biology

About the Role

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, this hub aims to develop new medicines that improve the lives of patients with immunological and neurological diseases, as well as cancer. The hub brings together human‑centric biology, drug design and discovery, with mechanistic clinical testing. The team discovers and develops novel pipeline candidates through onsite capabilities in antibody discovery and translational biology, and advances late‑stage assets to the clinic through collaboration with the wider AbbVie R&D organization and local academic and biotech partners. This hub model has delivered several first‑in‑class drug candidates and clinical assets, supported by a broad network of local collaborations spanning drug discovery technologies, novel disease biology, and innovative clinical trial approaches.

The senior immuno‑biologist is the most senior immuno‑biologist on the Oxford site and the leader of a group of 6 or more scientists, responsible for unlocking novel biology and translating it into new therapeutic targets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee two categories of immunology research: working under the DJS‑AbbVie labs with a team of 6+ reports; academic and external collaborations spanning bench‑top post‑doctoral projects as well as large experimental medicine studies.
• Ensure findings are translated into validated targets that can be delivered to both the on‑site Novel Therapeutics team in Oxford and the wider AbbVie Immunology Discovery Research organization headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Develop a strong understanding of AbbVie immunology drug discovery priorities and translate this into strategic guidance for internal and external scientists.
• Draft strategically aligned project plans to ensure the right immunological questions are asked and addressed using the right experimental approaches.
• Lead a team of 6+ direct reports, fostering a team of biologists and immunologists from diverse backgrounds.
• Oversee and shape external collaborations, providing scientific input and strategic leadership, including drafting 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 identifying key new equipment.
• Maintain close relationships with US‑based stakeholders across a range of functions, including the wider Immunology research department, precision medicine and clinical development.
• Model a culture of immunology excellence, tracking the latest trends and developments, and translating these into translational, drug‑discovery experimental and project plans.
• Act as a biology lead on DJS‑AbbVie portfolio programs and mentor team members 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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