At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead antibody and biology activities, overseeing preclinical to clinical readiness.
- Company: MICA, a pioneering biotech firm focused on nanotech-augmentation of humans.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape innovative medicine and gain senior visibility in a growing company.
- Other info: Collaborate with top professionals and contribute to groundbreaking therapeutic platforms.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and make a real impact in the biotech field.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in antibody biology and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re working on nanotech-augmentation of humans, creating remote-controlled cells inside patients, and we’re growing! MICA is hiring a Head of Bio to lead the antibody and biological side of our platform as we move towards clinical translation. This is a senior role sitting under the CSO and alongside the Head of Platform. While the Head of Platform is responsible for the physics and engineering of the technology, this post will own the antibody, biological and translational biology workstreams across the business.
We are looking for someone who can operate comfortably across scientific leadership, external partner management and commercial execution in a fast-moving biotech environment. At MICA, you will help drive the biological strategy behind a novel platform technology as we progress from late preclinical development towards Phase 2a clinical readiness. A central focus of the role will be coordinating in-house and outsourced antibody workstreams, from finalising manufacturing for the final GLP toxicology study, through regulatory preparation, and into clinic-ready GMP manufacturing.
This is an opportunity for a senior scientist who wants to stay close to the science while also playing a meaningful role in the wider commercial life of a venture-backed company.
What you’ll do:
- Lead all antibody and biology-related activities across the platform
- Oversee biological workstreams from late preclinical development through regulatory preparation and clinical readiness
- Support manufacturing strategy for GLP toxicology and subsequent GMP production
- Work closely with the CSO, CEO, Head of Platform and external collaborators to align with company milestones
- Contribute data, documentation and scientific rationale for regulatory interactions, including MHRA-related workstreams
- Help assemble supporting data for ongoing patent filings and broader IP strategy
- Provide scientific leadership on antibody expertise reporting to the CSO across the biology function, including guidance to junior team members
- Prepare clear internal reports, track programme deliverables and present progress to leadership and, where relevant, the Board
What we’re looking for:
- Senior experience in antibody biology, immunology or related translational bioscience
- A track record spanning both research/lab execution and commercial or programme-facing responsibility
- Experience managing external partners, CROs, collaborators or manufacturing workstreams
- Strong people leadership skills and the ability to guide more junior scientists
- Comfort working in a start-up environment where scientific depth and practical execution matter equally
Relevant experience may include:
- Cell culture, immunodetection and cell sorting
- Protein sequencing and antibody engineering
- Molecular and protein characterisation
- Translational biology supporting regulatory submissions
- Antibody development, optimisation and manufacturing handover
Why join MICA:
- Help bring a genuinely new concept of a medicine to patients
- A rare chance to shape the biological direction of a highly differentiated therapeutic platform
- Senior visibility across both science and company-building
- Direct exposure to regulatory strategy, IP generation and clinical translation
- Collaboration with the clinical team at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
- The opportunity to work with a team to build a core scientific function at a pivotal stage of company growth
We’re particularly interested in speaking with commercially minded scientific future leaders, senior academic fellows, or biotech operators with R&D lab experience who want broader ownership and the chance to build in a start-up setting. If that sounds like you, get in touch!
Head of Biology in London employer: MICA Tx
MICA is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the biotech field, particularly in the innovative realm of nanotech-augmented medicine. With a hybrid work model across vibrant locations like London, Oxford, and Birmingham, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters scientific leadership and commercial acumen. The company offers unique opportunities for professional growth, direct involvement in regulatory strategies, and the chance to shape groundbreaking therapeutic platforms, making it an ideal environment for ambitious scientists eager to contribute to meaningful advancements in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Biology in London
✨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 MICA Tx. 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 MICA Tx!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Biology in London
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 MICA Tx 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 MICA Tx.
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 MICA Tx 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 MICA Tx
✨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 MICA Tx. 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 MICA Tx'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 MICA Tx. This shows your passion for the industry!
