Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics

AbbVie; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in Oxford is looking for a Principal Research Scientist I to join their Novel Therapeutics team. In this role, you will shape scientific strategy, lead drug discovery initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to tackle complex challenges in immunology.

Candidates should have extensive experience in drug discovery, particularly in cellular depletion modalities. AbbVie offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for impactful contributions to patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience across multiple drug discovery programmes with proven examples.
• Functioning as a principal investigator and generating development strategies.
• Recognized expert in the discipline with a strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes.
• Develop drug discovery strategy aligned with AbbVie’s immunology strategy.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development.

Skills

Drug discovery experience

Creative problem-solving

Cell depletion expertise

Scientific communication

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in a relevant scientific area

Job description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience, and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.co.uk. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

Title: Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-time (onsite)

The role is part of DJS-AbbVie, a discovery hub within AbbVie Immunology that focuses on novel therapeutics and translating immunological science into innovative R&D programmes. We are seeking an experienced drug hunter to join our Novel Therapeutics – Cellular Depletion Team.

Why this role?

Autonomy

You will have significant scope to shape scientific strategy, influence portfolio direction, and act as molecule lead on selected programmes. You will work closely with the team leader and cross‑functional partners to define approaches, assess risk, and guide experimental plans. We are looking for someone who is confident taking ownership of complex scientific challenges and who thrives when given the freedom to lead with rigor and initiative.

Mastery

This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to deepen and apply expertise in drug discovery and immunology focusing on cellular depletion via any available modalities. You will tackle challenging discovery questions and complex protein designs, contribute original ideas and champion innovative methods, and help develop a strong drug discovery mindset across the function.

Purpose

Our work is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for patients with serious and challenging diseases. In this role, you will help advance novel therapeutics with the potential to achieve durable disease improvement beyond symptomatic treatment. Your contributions will support programme progression from concept to candidate nomination, influence translational strategy, and shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• When appropriate, act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing technical expertise and cross‑functional leadership as teams form around assets.
• Develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with AbbVie’s overall immunology strategy.
• Serve as a key lab‑focused scientist at the DJS-AbbVie Oxford site and ultimately act as a recognised scientific expert within the wider AbbVie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, development sciences, clinical development, and precision medicine.
• Ensure high‑quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning.
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends and translate relevant insights into functional objectives.
• Apply imagination and innovation to create and implement new or improved approaches and breakthrough ideas.
• Proactively share knowledge to build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development.
• Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non‑scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications – Essential Attributes

• Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programmes with at least one proven example of a cell depletion modality.
• Education – BS, MS, PhD, or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies.
• Creative and practical problem‑solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies.
• Recognised as an expert in your discipline, internally and ideally externally.
• Strong publication, presentation, regulatory and/or patent record.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences.

Qualifications – Desired Attributes

• Recognised expert in cellular therapies such as CAR‑T, CAR‑NK, CAR‑Treg, etc.
• OR recognised expert in complex antibody engineering including bispecific and novel formats.
• Strong background in translational biology.

About DJS-AbbVie

DJS‑AbbVie is part of AbbVie Immunology and focuses on advancing novel therapeutics to address serious and challenging diseases. Our work is driven by scientific excellence, collaboration and a commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients.

Working at DJS‑AbbVie offers the opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious team, with exposure to a broad range of scientific challenges, close collaboration with experts across the wider organisation, and the chance to help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/ Veterans / Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only – to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html