Senior Principal Scientist in Belfast

Senior / Principal Scientist – Antibody–Drug Conjugate (ADC) Engineering

Location: Northern Ireland

Department: Biologics / ADC Discovery

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Role Summary

A growing biologics organization is seeking an accomplished Senior or Principal Scientist to lead research and development projects in Antibody–Drug Conjugate (ADC) discovery and engineering. This role is ideal for an expert with deep experience in antibody engineering, conjugation chemistry, and early-stage ADC developability. The successful candidate will shape strategy, guide multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high‑quality ADC candidates for advancement into preclinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of ADC molecules, including linker–payload selection, site‑specific conjugation strategies, and antibody engineering to improve stability and potency.
• Oversee workflows across antibody generation, expression, purification, and characterisation to support ADC construction.
• Develop and validate conjugation processes using site‑specific, enzymatic, or chemical methods.
• Perform or guide biophysical, biochemical, and functional characterisation of ADCs, including DAR assessment, stability profiling, cytotoxicity assays, and mechanism‑of‑action studies.
• Evaluate sequence, structure, and developability features to ensure ADC candidates meet therapeutic and manufacturability requirements.
• Lead project planning, experimental design, and technical risk evaluation across ADC discovery programmes.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific leadership across the wider biologics and chemistry teams.
• Prepare high‑quality technical documentation, including study reports, data summaries, and contributions to patent filings.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional groups (e.g., protein engineering, medicinal chemistry, biology, translational sciences) to progress ADC candidates toward in vivo studies.
• Monitor emerging trends in ADC payloads, linker technologies, conjugation approaches, and safety innovations, integrating relevant advancements into internal workflows.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Protein Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related discipline; or equivalent industrial experience.
• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in ADC discovery, conjugation chemistry, antibody engineering, or complex biologics development.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in ADC design, including linker strategies, payload selection, DAR optimisation, and site‑specific or controlled conjugation methods.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, mammalian antibody expression, purification techniques (affinity, SEC, chromatography), and analytical characterisation (e.g., LC‑MS, HIC, CE‑SDS).
• Experience with functional testing of ADCs, including potency assays, internalisation assays, cytotoxicity screens, and target‑engagement studies.
• Strong understanding of safety, stability, and developability considerations specific to ADC programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific programmes, manage timelines, and deliver high‑quality candidates.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary groups.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with novel payload classes, cleavable / non‑cleavable linkers, or next‑generation ADC modalities (e.g., dual‑payload, immune‑stimulating, PDCs).
• Experience with in silico antibody engineering, structural modelling, or developability prediction tools.
• Exposure to early toxicology, CMC considerations, or process scale‑up relevant to ADCs.
• Experience collaborating with CROs or contributing to client‑facing project delivery.

What the Organisation Offers

• The opportunity to lead impactful ADC discovery in an innovation‑focused environment.
• Access to advanced biologics and conjugation technologies.
• A collaborative and science‑driven culture with room for professional growth.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and a clear progression pathway