Principal Scientist - Discovery & Translational Biology

ONE NUCLEUS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-potential drug-development start-up in Cambridge seeks a Principal Scientist for Discovery & Translational Biology. The role involves developing novel oncology therapeutics and balancing hands-on work with project leadership. Ideal candidates will have a PhD, experience with ADCs or Bispecific Antibodies, and strong technical skills in cell culture and assay development.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Experience in developing novel oncology biologics, ideally ADCs.
• Strong technical expertise in primary cell tissue culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel oncology therapeutics and balance bench work with leadership.
• Influence strategy in early drug development.
• Support portfolio expansion through target validation.

Skills

Development of novel oncology therapeutics

Antibody Drug Conjugates

Bispecific Antibodies

Project leadership

Cell tissue culture

Flow cytometry

IHC assay development

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Principal Scientist – Discovery & Translational Biology to join a high-potential drug-development start-up, which is focused on developing new oncology therapeutics that significantly improve overall survival for patients with a high unmet need. Our client is at the cutting edge of oncology therapeutics, utilizing proprietary algorithms to identify novel protein fingerprints from a comprehensive membrane protein database.

They are establishing their own laboratory to support their ambitious growth plans and are seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to join their Research Group. This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to make a meaningful contribution across discovery and translational sciences.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Your duties as the Principal Scientist will be varied; however, the key responsibilities include:

1. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in developing novel oncology therapeutics, ideally Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) or Bispecific Antibodies. You should be adept at balancing bench work with project leadership and have a proven track record of building successful external partnerships.
2. Joining a small, growing team, this dynamic role will allow the successful candidate to influence strategy across all aspects of early drug development.
3. You will support portfolio expansion through target validation and co-expression studies, develop workflows for hit selection and lead triage, and deliver pivotal in vivo proof-of-concept data via external partners.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

To be successful in this role, the following qualifications and experiences are required:

1. A PhD in a relevant field, with significant experience in developing novel oncology biologics, ideally ADCs or Bispecific Antibodies, gained mainly within a commercial biotech or biopharma environment.
2. Strong technical expertise in primary cell tissue culture, flow cytometry, and IHC assay development and execution. Experience working with spheroids is desirable.
3. The ability to work independently and proactively in a start-up environment.