Translational and Biomarker Scientist in City of London

Ellipses Pharma is a global drug development company headquartered in London, focused on accelerating the development of cancer treatments through an innovative drug development model that combines unbiased vetting to de-risk initial asset selection, the expertise of a Scientific Affairs Group, which comprises more than 300 leading oncologists and an uninterrupted funding flow to minimise the time it takes to advance lead products through clinical trials and reach patients.

The Role

Ellipses, driven by a robust pipeline of strong clinical candidates, is at an exciting stage of its evolution that promises business growth and the swift delivery of innovative medicines to patients. As part of this transformation, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Translational and Biomarker Scientist to join our team. The Translational and Biomarker Scientist will report to the Head of Translational Medicine and support all aspects of preclinical and translational development of assets throughout their development journey at Ellipses. This will include but not limited to commissioning and interpreting preclinical experiments, supporting biomarker strategy through interpretation of preclinical and clinical biomarker data, identifying and helping commission biomarker assays with vendors as appropriate for each asset. They will also work collaboratively with key internal stakeholders and external third-party partners.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Clinical Development
• Support for pre-clinical assets, including working with external consultants and development of the work plan at CROs or academic Institutions.
• Input into proposals, statements of work and protocol development for preclinical/biology/MOA experiments in support of translation aspects of the clinical programme.
• Supporting the execution of preclinical IND enabling work plans to aid asset development.
• Maintain knowledge of scientific developments through literature reviews and share current information with relevant internal parties.
• Support medical writing (abstracts, posters, scientific papers, INDs, IBs, protocols etc.).
• Work with the Head of Translational Medicine to prepare budgets for translational studies in support of asset development.
• Track projects against planned spend and be able to report on variations.
• Present preclinical data to the wider organisation and at advisory boards.
• Translational Research and Biomarker Strategy
• Support the development and execution of biomarker strategies to support early phase clinical development programmes.
• Help drive biomarker strategy through identification of appropriate assays, including target engagement, biology/PD based assays and genomics to aid patient selection.
• Work with the Head of Translational Medicine to interpret preclinical and translational research findings, present to cross-functional teams and integrate into clinical development plans.
• Support TPP and programme life cycle.
• Attend scientific conferences/calls/workshops to engage vendors and to conduct competitive intelligence.
• Work with Head of Translational Medicine and relevant asset development team to identify, select and manage biomarker vendors for biomarker analysis, validation and interpretation, including bioinformatics.
• Support and prepare material for scientific advisory boards and facilitate ad hoc discussions with KOLs.
• Collaborate with the clinical development team on programme specific tasks, i.e. biomarker strategy and exploratory endpoints.
• SAG
• Help prepare and support SAG DD data packages.

Experience and Skills

• PhD in oncology, cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience including in a bench-based pre-clinical laboratory environment with recognised and established expertise in pre-clinical aspects of oncology drug development.
• Experience in pre-clinical drug discovery/in vivo efficacy models in oncology and a strong understanding of tumour biology, cancer immunology, and precision medicine principles.
• Track record of successfully managing biomarker projects across multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• Experience with oncology-relevant biomarker platforms, including tissue- and blood-based assays.
• Familiarity with clinical trial design, translational endpoints, and regulatory requirements for biomarker inclusion.
• Strong project management skills, including the use of project management software tools.
• Experience of vendor selection and ongoing management for effective delivery of pre-clinical activities.
• Robust understanding and knowledge of global regulatory and compliance requirements for pre-clinical research, with experience of writing up experimental data for use in regulatory submissions.
• Experience of data management aspects of pre-clinical activity, together with strong data analytical skills.
• Ability to present technical, scientific and medical information in a streamlined and succinct manner to a diverse audience.

Personal Attributes

• High calibre individual, driven and energised in their work.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and innovation in planning and execution of the project, especially when resolving any issues or challenges that impede the progress of the trial.
• Pragmatic, solution focused and willing/able to roll up sleeves in a fast-moving, small company environment.
• Able to build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with key external and internal stakeholders.
• Must be highly organised with a methodical approach to work.
• Experience working effectively in a team/matrix environment, but also able to work independently.
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Ellipses Pharma is an organisation that values the strength of collaboration, inclusive and quick decision making, knowledge sharing and a culture built on working together on site. As a small but growing company face to face interaction is highly valued. We recognise that a more hybrid approach is at times required and we do support some element of remote working where operationally appropriate to help employees with work life integration. By balancing in-person presence with occasional remote working, we ensure we remain agile while protecting the unique benefits that come from working side by side. Candidates must be able to demonstrate strong industry experience within managing pre-clinical oncology biomarker projects to be considered for this exciting role.