Scientist, Antibody Discovery and Engineering in Southampton

Our Organization IONTAS is part of the FairJourney Biologics family, which operates across four global sites (Porto – Portugal, Cambridge – UK, San Francisco and San Diego – USA). FairJourney Biologics is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges, and helping bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects using a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognized for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.

The Role We are seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Scientist to join the expanding Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III). The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in SPR and Protein Sciences with a good understanding of Biologics drug discovery and display technologies. Teamwork is a key skill for this role - Scientists are lab-based staff with significant experience in antibody discovery & engineering and assay development, providing lab-based leadership and collaborating with internal experts in antibody discovery & display technologies. The role will include execution of lab work, training and mentoring other team members. Work will not be limited to SPR – there will be involvement in other methods of selecting and screening novel antibody-based therapeutics. You will use your keen interest and expertise in Biologics drug discovery to shape and deliver projects involving identification, optimisation, and screening of novel antibody-based therapeutics, applying, and refining our (phage and mammalian) display technologies and engineering methods and working closely with our structural & bioinformatics team when considering client projects. This will be an onsite and predominantly lab-based role. Your responsibilities will include the independent design and execution of experiments, data analysis and interpretation and communication of the findings to the team and clients. You will provide technical training to other team members. This role will suit an experienced scientist seeking to gain or expand their Biologics drug discovery experience. A positive and solution-focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative and intellectually challenging projects.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and train other team members in kinetic assessments of standard and complex antibody formats.
• Lead aspects of antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Manage and strengthen client and stakeholder relationships to drive project success.
• Plan and execute biochemical assays to generate and evaluate project hit panels.
• Apply your knowledge of antibody drug discovery to shape and guide project decisions in collaboration with team leaders and clients.
• Contribute to novel research directions and strategies to advance business objectives.
• Work with the Technology Unit to evaluate and integrate novel platforms to the drug discovery process.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
• Present findings and progress updates to senior management, partners and at scientific conferences.

Your Profile

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Antibody Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology or a related field.
• Significant experience of independently performing SPR assessments of biologics, including complex formats.
• Additional 3+ years post-PhD hands-on experience in antibody drug discovery, preferably within industry, with a demonstrable understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures, and sequences.
• In-depth understanding and practical research experience of using protein structure insights to guide protein engineering campaigns.
• Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display).
• Experience in additional biochemical assays.
• Molecular biology and cell culture experience.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Influencing skills to shape project decisions and direction.
• Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
• Maintain clear written records in a timely manner.
• Ability to present and communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to build strong collaborative working relationships.

The following are desirable, but not required:

• Experience in antibody display library construction.
• Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.

We Offer

Be Part of a Global Team By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, San Francisco and San Diego. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights and contribute to ground breaking antibody projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and became part of the FairJourney Biologics family in 2020. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.

Career Development & Growth As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities. Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site. Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients and the broader scientific community.

Competitive Benefits Attractive salary & life insurance. Generous parental leave policies. Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a cafe and a vibrant social community.

A Culture That Empowers We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.