At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead antibody discovery programs and design next-gen therapeutics.
- Company: Dynamic biotech firm focused on innovative biologics solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and collaboration with top scientists in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing life-saving therapies with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and significant industry experience in biologics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced biologics scientist to play a key role in designing and advancing next-generation antibody therapeutics. You will bring extensive hands-on expertise in antibody engineering, affinity maturation, and developability assessment while partnering closely with computational biology and machine learning teams to translate biological insights into clinic-ready molecules.
The ideal candidate will have personally designed and optimized therapeutic antibodies and contributed to biologics programs from target validation through candidate selection and IND-enabling activities.
Key Responsibilities- Lead biologics discovery programs from target validation through lead optimization and candidate selection.
- Design, engineer, and optimize antibody molecules using experimental data to guide progression decisions.
- Drive modality selection across antibodies, bispecifics, ADCs, fusion proteins, and fragments.
- Design and execute discovery strategies aligned to Target Product Profiles (TPPs).
- Apply expertise in:
- Antibody discovery and engineering
- Affinity maturation and CDR engineering
- Developability assessment
- Mechanistic characterization and potency optimization
- Design and interpret cell-based functional assays and biophysical characterization studies, including:
- SPR/Biacore
- BLI/Octet
- Binding, potency, and selectivity assays
- Collaborate closely with Computational Biology, Machine Learning, Translational Science, DMPK, Toxicology, and CMC teams.
- Partner with CROs and external collaborators, overseeing study design, data interpretation, and program progression.
- Contribute to scientific strategy and act as a key technical leader within the biologics group.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to publications and scientific visibility.
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Protein Engineering, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
- Significant industry experience in biotech or pharmaceutical biologics drug discovery.
- Proven track record progressing antibody programs through:
- Target validation
- Hit identification
- Lead optimization
- Candidate selection
- IND-enabling studies
- Deep expertise in:
- Therapeutic antibody design and engineering
- Affinity maturation and CDR optimization
- Developability assessment
- Biologics discovery cascades
- Molecule progression decision-making
- Hands-on experience with:
- Cell-based functional assays
- SPR/Biacore
- BLI/Octet
- In vitro pharmacology
- CRO management
- Strong understanding of biologics modalities, including antibodies, bispecifics, ADCs, fusion proteins, and fragments.
- Experience working in highly cross-functional, matrixed environments.
Senior Scientist – Antibody Discovery in Slough employer: Hlx Life Sciences
At HLX Life Sciences, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation thrives. Our collaborative culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and cross-functional teamwork, empowering our scientists to lead groundbreaking antibody discovery projects. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful research, we provide a unique opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful contribution to the future of therapeutics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist – Antibody Discovery in Slough
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Hlx Life Sciences. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Hlx Life Sciences!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist – Antibody Discovery in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Hlx Life Sciences that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Hlx Life Sciences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Hlx Life Sciences does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hlx Life Sciences
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Hlx Life Sciences. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Hlx Life Sciences's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Hlx Life Sciences. This shows your passion for the industry!
