Principal Scientist

RQ Biotechnology Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RQ Biotechnology Ltd. in White City, London, is seeking a Senior / Principal Scientist, Antibody Characterisation to own key capabilities and help shape our antibody pipeline.

This permanent, full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits as we expand our influenza-focused pipeline and next-generation discovery. You will combine hands-on laboratory science with leadership, overseeing experiments, mentoring scientists and collaborating across multidisciplinary R&D teams in a fast-moving

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Protein Science or related field.
• Proven therapeutic antibody R&D experience in biotech or pharma.
• Strong hands-on SPR/BLI and antibody characterisation expertise.
• Experience in antibody optimisation, developability and candidate selection.
• Exposure to advanced antibody formats.
• Ability to lead cross-disciplinary R&D teams and own technical workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead antibody characterisation using SPR/BLI, ELISA and complementary biophysical techniques.
• Develop and optimise assays assessing binding, kinetics, stability and developability.
• Drive antibody lead optimisation and candidate selection.
• Characterise next-generation formats including bispecifics, multispecifics and ADCs.
• Lead scientific workstreams, mentor scientists and oversee CRO activities.

Skills

Therapeutic antibody R&D experience

SPR/BLI & antibody characterisation

Antibody optimisation & developability

Candidate selection experience

Exposure to advanced antibody formats

Technical ownership & cross-functional

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Protein Science or related field

Job description

Senior / Principal Scientist, Antibody Characterisation

Location: White City, London

Permanent | Full-time | Competitive Salary + Benefits

Join a $115M-funded biotech pioneering the next generation of antibody therapeutics.

Northreach is partnering with RQ Biotechnology, an ambitious UK biotech that recently secured $115 million (£85.5 million) in Series A funding, backed by leading global life sciences investors including Frazier Life Sciences, EQT Life Sciences, Forbion and LifeArc Ventures.

RQ Bio is developing an innovative platform of long-acting monoclonal antibodies, designed to provide broad, durable protection against influenza, particularly for vulnerable patients who may not respond adequately to conventional vaccines.

Its lead programme, RQB01, is advancing towards clinical development, while the company continues to expand its next-generation antibody discovery pipeline.

With significant investment, experienced scientific leadership and ambitious growth plans, this is an exciting opportunity to join a biotech at a pivotal stage of development.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior / Principal Scientist, Antibody Characterisation to take scientific ownership of key characterisation capabilities and help shape the future of RQ Bio's antibody pipeline.

You will combine hands-on laboratory science with scientific leadership, working in a collaborative, fast-moving biotech environment where your expertise directly influences therapeutic development.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead antibody characterisation using SPR/BLI, ELISA and complementary biophysical techniques.


• Develop and optimise assays assessing antibody binding, kinetics, stability and developability.


• Drive antibody lead optimisation and candidate selection.


• Characterise next‑generation formats, including bispecifics, multispecifics and ADCs.


• Lead scientific workstreams, mentor scientists and oversee external CRO activities.

About You

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Protein Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.


• Proven therapeutic antibody R&D experience within biotech or pharma.


• Strong, recent hands‑on SPR/BLI and antibody characterisation expertise.


• Experience in antibody optimisation, developability and candidate selection.


• Exposure to advanced antibody formats.


• Ability to take technical ownership and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary R&D teams.

Why RQ Bio?

• $115M Series A funding supporting clinical development and pipeline expansion.


• Differentiated antibody discovery technology targeting conserved regions of influenza viruses.


• Real scientific ownership, with the autonomy to build capabilities and influence candidate progression.


• Experienced scientific leadership and the opportunity to collaborate closely with leading antibody and virology researchers.


• Career development, with flexibility to appoint at Senior or Principal Scientist level.


• Purpose‑driven science, developing innovative medicines for patients who remain vulnerable despite vaccination.