Senior Group Lead, Antibody Discovery & Screening

Cancer Research UK; Stapleford; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Cancer Research UK in the United Kingdom seeks a Group Leader to lead the Antibody Discovery Cell Screening Team, overseeing antibody screening, pharmacology and data-driven candidate triaging to advance pre-clinical drug candidates.

You will shape strategy, manage resources, collaborate with internal and external partners, publish insights, and foster an inclusive, high‑performing lab culture while aligning with CRUK policies and goals.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, pharmacology, molecular biology or related field.
• Significant industry antibody drug discovery experience across hit ID, lead optimization and candidate delivery.
• Proven leadership building and inspiring high-performing teams in matrixed research environments.
• Expertise in candidate triaging, assay development and interpretation of complex HTS data.
• Strong understanding of antibody developability and modalities including bispecifics, ADCs and T-cell engagers.
• Data-driven decision making, prioritisation across projects and translational/in vivo pharmacology know-how.
• Established external scientific profile with publications, conferences and professional network.
• Agile, collaborative and proactive mindset; thrives in fast-paced, evolving settings.
• Awareness of emerging AI technologies in drug discovery (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Antibody Discovery Cell Screening Team, setting vision and providing scientific and strategic leadership in antibody drug discovery and immunology.
• Oversee design, execution and optimisation of pharmacological assays to evaluate antibody efficacy, mechanism of action and candidate potential.
• Define and implement screening and triaging strategies, integrating developability, binding and functional data for informed candidate selection.
• Drive early decision points for program progression through data-driven insights.
• Foster scientific and technical innovation through new technologies, collaborations and partnerships.
• Contribute to strategic leadership of the Antibody Discovery & Protein Science team and broader research strategy.
• Manage team expertise, capacity and resources to support portfolio governance and development.
• Ensure alignment with CRUK policies and stakeholder engagement for governance.
• Represent the team across projects, cross-site initiatives and external scientific communities.
• Communicate and collaborate to influence decision-making and drive outcomes.
• Promote scientific excellence through publications, presentations, advisory roles and training.
• Foster an inclusive culture where equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Agile collaboration

Strategic thinking

Scientific impact

Team development

Communication

External networking

AI in drug discovery awareness

Education

PhD in Immunology, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline

Job description

Cancer Research UK in the United Kingdom seeks a Group Leader to lead the Antibody Discovery Cell Screening Team, overseeing antibody screening, pharmacology and data-driven candidate triaging to advance pre-clinical drug candidates.

You will shape strategy, manage resources, collaborate with internal and external partners, publish insights, and foster an inclusive, high‑performing lab culture while aligning with CRUK policies and goals.