Group Leader - Cell Biology

The successful candidate will be accountable for the successful and appropriate in vitro and in vivo characterisation of binding specificity of candidate and T cell activation and T cell-mediated killing of bi-specific TCR molecules to cells. This role requires strong team leadership, scientific understanding, and expertise in immunology, T cell assays, cellular biology, and molecular biology. Experience with lentiviral transduction and cloning is desirable. You will have responsibility for leading the day-to-day running of the preclinical biology group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the preclinical biology group.
• Develop and implement biological assays to ensure candidate soluble TCRs translate to potent and safe clinical molecules.
• Oversee all biological testing activities related to soluble TCR molecules generated by the Protein Engineering team.
• Manage a team of cell biologists, initially comprising 3-4 individuals, with potential for team expansion as candidate targets are nominated.
• Determine and implement appropriate in vitro testing strategies for efficacy, safety, and underlying molecular mechanisms of soluble TCRs, including establishing assays and sourcing cell lines and tissue samples.
• In the future there may be the opportunity to implement appropriate in vivo testing strategies, utilising outsourced resources if required.
• Collaborate effectively with the leadership team, including the Head of Protein Engineering and Head of Protein Production, to guide optimization and development of clinical soluble TCRs.

Experience/Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant biological subject with at least 5 years of subsequent biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience in R&D teams.
• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing the safety and efficacy of soluble high-affinity TCR molecules.
• Deep familiarity with traditional cell biology and molecular biology techniques, including cell binding assays, T cell activation, and T cell killing both in vitro and in vivo.
• Experience in generating isogenic cell lines using lentiviral transduction, growing a large array of cell lines, human organoids, and primary human cells.
• Expertise in complex multi-color flow cytometry, EliSpot assays, luminometry, fluorescence, and in vivo assays of safety and efficacy.
• Proven leadership skills, including successful development and implementation of scientific strategies, and ability to work with other leaders and support staff.
• Experience in managing, mentoring, developing, and motivating teams of scientists.
• Experience in managing budgets, agreeing and delivering timelines of work, and writing reports.
• Ability to present work to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ability to publish and present work done by your team and in partnership with other Yellowstone teams.
• Familiarity with requirements for development and submission of preclinical data packages for a Clinical Trial Authorisation to MHRA and a New Drug Application to the FDA and EMA.