Principal / Senior Scientist Cell Biology in Oxford

Yellowstone Biosciences is a biotechnology spinout company located in Oxford, whose goal is to pioneer new cancer treatments using advanced T-cell therapies based on groundbreaking research from the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Oxford.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Principal Scientist to join our Cell Biology Team. The successful candidate will help drive experimental strategy, oversee the design and execution of in vitro studies, and play a key role in mentoring and training junior scientists. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a growing company and to contribute directly to its research and development strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning, execution, and interpretation of cell biology experiments to support discovery and preclinical programs.
• Supervise and train research associates and scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Develop, implement, and optimize assays including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and advanced cell culture models.
• Guide molecular biology studies (e.g., gene expression analysis, cloning, transfection, CRISPR) to support mechanistic investigations.
• Ensure high-quality data generation, documentation, and communication across multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with project leads to design experimental plans, review data, and integrate findings into project decisions.
• Lead presentations at internal meetings and contribute to scientific reports and regulatory documentation.
• Contribute to the shaping of the company’s scientific strategy and research roadmap.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or related scientific field.
• Proven experience (typically 5+ years post-PhD) in cell biology or related research within a biotech/biopharma settings.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong technical background in cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with a range of cell and molecular biology techniques including T cell assays, killing assays, cytokine assays, designing and executing recombinant DNA sub-cloning strategies, making lentiviral supernatants, lentiviral transduction, complex co-culture or 3D culture assays.
• Experience leading projects, overseeing the experimental strategy and co-ordinating the work of other team members.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to present data clearly and influence across functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively in a dynamic, fast-evolving start-up environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Direct hands-on laboratory experience in testing and developing of biologics including the assessment of the biological impact of their engagement with therapeutic targets.
• Ability to independently lead programmes to advance the company’s goals, review competing priorities and recommend strategies to advance the programme.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and thrives in a team environment with a flexible approach to working.
• Demonstrable problem-solving ability, creative thinking and be pro-active in driving the project forwards.
• Experience in the design and oversight of in vivo experiments.
• Passionate about scientific innovation and advancing new therapeutic approaches.

PAY RANGE AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Competitive salary and career development opportunities. If you’re excited to grow your skills and make a real impact in cutting-edge cell biology research, we’d love to hear from you.