Senior Scientist - In Vitro in Slough

At NextLink, we are looking for an experienced Senior Scientist to join our In vitro Immunology group based in Slough, UK. The team plays a pivotal role in the discovery and development of both small molecules and biologics aimed at treating immune‑mediated inflammatory diseases. As a Senior Scientist, you will provide strong scientific expertise and hands‑on delivery to support ongoing discovery and early development programmes in the laboratory.

Focused on experimental execution, project support, and scientific rigour, you will work closely with project teams and senior colleagues to design, deliver, and interpret in vitro studies, contributing high‑quality data to enable timely project decisions. You will report to the Associate Director – In vitro Immunology, and work as part of a collaborative group of scientists. You will partner closely with project leads, matrix functions, and external collaborators (including CROs and academic groups) to support immunology programmes.

• Design, plan, and directly execute in vitro studies supporting target identification, validation, and translational pharmacology.
• Provide hands‑on technical expertise in in‑vitro immunology models, ensuring appropriate model selection and scientific rigour.
• Test and validate small molecule and biologics modalities in vitro.
• Support the establishment, optimisation, and validation of in vitro models, including oversight of outsourced studies with CRO partners where required.
• Contribute to project teams through critical data review and scientific input to inform decision making.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines to support discovery and early development objectives.
• Generate, analyse, and interpret high‑quality in vitro data in line with project timelines and present at project meetings.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to reports, study summaries, and presentations.

• PhD (or equivalent) in Immunology, or a closely related discipline, with relevant post‑doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Strong hands‑on experience in in‑vitro immunology models relevant to inflammatory and immune‑mediated diseases.
• Primary and immortalised cell culture and aseptic techniques, immune cell separation, in‑vitro assays in innate immunity, set up of complex co‑culture assays, flow cytometry, ELISA / multiplex assays, Western blot.
• Demonstrated ability to design robust in‑vitro experiments and critically assess and interpret complex datasets.
• A pragmatic, delivery‑focused mindset with strong attention to scientific rigour and data quality.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.
• Ability to work with 3D cell culture systems and in vitro models.
• Additional knowledge of immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry techniques would be an advantage.
• Ability to process and work with large datasets and coding skills are highly desirable to facilitate high‑throughput data analysis and decision making.