Principal Scientist / Head of R&D (Immunology / Immuno-Oncology) in Manchester

Bi Victri X is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing the next generation of highly selective cancer therapeutics using its proprietary Bi-Cygni® technology platform.

Unlike conventional targeted therapies that rely on a single tumour-associated antigen, Bi Victri X identifies unique cell-surface co-expression signatures that enable diseased cells to be distinguished from healthy cells at the single-cell level.

This approach is designed to overcome one of the greatest challenges in oncology: the lack of tumour-specific targets, by enabling highly selective targeting of malignant cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues.

Leveraging this platform, Bi Victri X is advancing a pipeline of first-in-class bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) designed to deliver enhanced precision, broaden efficacy across heterogeneous tumours and improve therapeutic durability.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual with expertise in tumour immunology and translational oncology to join our team.

Reporting directly to the CEO/CSO, the successful candidate will play a key scientific leadership role in shaping and executing the biological strategy across Bi Victri X’s ADC portfolio.

The role will encompass the design, oversight and interpretation of internal and external discovery, translational and preclinical studies, with a particular focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underpinning therapeutic efficacy and differentiation through tumour microenvironment (TME) engagement.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished scientist who enjoys working in a fast-paced biotech environment and wishes to contribute directly to the advancement of first-in-class therapeutics.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership across biological aspects of Bi Victri X’s therapeutic programmes, ensuring delivery of high-quality, decision-enabling data.
• Design, oversee and interpret in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies to evaluate the biological activity, mechanism of action and translational potential of Bi Victri X’s ADC candidates, with a strong focus on evaluating therapeutic activity against key cell types within the TME.
• Lead the scientific management of external CROs, academic collaborations and strategic partners, including study design, execution, budget management, timelines and data review.
• Develop and implement innovative translational strategies to support target validation, biomarker development, patient selection and indication prioritisation.
• Guide the development of biologically relevant assays and experimental models to interrogate tumour biology, immune cell interactions and therapeutic response.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape across relevant tumour indications and therapeutic modalities, incorporating external insights into programme strategy.
• Support cross-functional project leadership across biology, protein sciences and bioconjugation activities to ensure alignment with development objectives and timelines.
• Conduct selected laboratory-based studies and provide technical mentorship to members of the biology team where required.
• Present scientific data internally, to collaborators, at scientific conferences and to potential investors or strategic partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications, intellectual property generation and broader company strategy.

Essential Qualifications and experience

• Ph D in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or a related life sciences discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience; or MSc with substantial equivalent industry experience.
• Strong expertise in tumour immunology and/or evaluating key myeloid populations within inflammatory and immune-related diseases (including fibrosis).
• Significant experience working with components of the tumour microenvironment, including tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and/or related pathological immune populations within immunology and inflammatory diseases.
• Demonstrated experience designing and interpreting preclinical oncology/fibrosis studies, including in vivo efficacy models and translational investigations.
• Proven experience managing external CROs, academic collaborators and research programmes.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial biotechnology environment and operate effectively across multiple projects.
• Experience supporting the development of biologics, antibody therapeutics or antibody-drug conjugates.
• Previous involvement in translational biomarker strategy and patient stratification approaches.
• Experience in histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and spatial biology techniques.
• Previous line management, mentoring or scientific leadership responsibilities.
• Experience contributing to regulatory documentation, investor materials or business development activities.

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute directly to the development of first-in-class oncology therapeutics.
• Exposure to scientific, strategic and operational aspects of an innovative biotechnology company.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial and scientifically ambitious working environment.
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced team developing differentiated ADC technologies.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Company pension scheme – access to salary sacrifice subject to eligibility and scheme terms
• Pleasant office and laboratory environment on rural business park, close to Manchester
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