Senior Scientist

Exogene Ltd.; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Oxford is seeking a senior or principal scientist to drive TCR engineering processes. The role involves leading validation efforts of T-cell engagers and requires a PhD in relevant fields alongside practical lab experience. Candidates should be self-starters with strong analytical skills, ready to work in a cross-disciplinary environment and contribute to novel cancer therapies. Competitive salary and benefits offered, including flexibility for remote work.

Benefits

Market-competitive salary and stock option package

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Access to fully equipped private lab

Work from home flexibility

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• 1-2 years relevant lab experience is required; senior role requires 3+ years.
• Experience in in vivo and in vitro validation of T-cell engagers.
• Knowledge of molecular biology with emphasis on cloning and PCR.

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo and in vitro validation of TCEs.
• Design and characterise TCRs for disease targets.
• Conduct protein science operations including expression and purification.

Skills

Immunology

Cell Biology

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology Protocols

Protein Characterization

Cell Assays

NGS Analysis

SOP Documentation

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field

Job description

About Exogene

At Exogene, we’re reimagining what’s possible in cancer immunotherapy. Our mission is to engineer T-cell receptor therapies that can precisely and powerfully target solid tumours—diseases long considered out of reach for conventional immunotherapies.

To do this, we’ve built a proprietary lab-in-the-loop platform that merges generative AI, biophysical modelling, and high-throughput TCR screening to rapidly design, test, and optimise TCRs with exceptional affinity and specificity. This convergence of computation and wet-lab experimentation allows us to go from concept to candidate molecules in record time.

We’re developing trispecific TCR-based T cell engagers (TCR-TriTCEs)—a new therapeutic modality designed to overcome the unique challenges of the solid tumour microenvironment. This work spans multiple disciplines, from protein engineering and AI-driven design to in vivo validation and translational development.

We are looking for a dynamic senior or principal scientist who will help drive the TCR engineering processes and development. The successful candidate will leadin vivo andin vitrovalidation of TCEs. You’ll get involved in purifying recombinant TCRs to perform high-throughput TCR display methods and deep sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Lead *in vivo* and *in vitro* validation of TCEs.
• Collaboratively design and characterise TCRs for proprietary and partnered disease targets.
• Conduct a suite of protein science operations, including expression, purification, and biophysical analysis.
• Tackle molecular biology duties: cloning, mutagenesis, DNA isolation, and preparing libraries for deep sequencing.
• Manage tissue culture assignments, spanning from media prep and cell line care to cryopreservation.
• Join forces with founders, R&D, academia, and industrial stakeholders to fulfil ambitious R&D objectives.
• Draft, revise, and oversee repertoire of lab protocols.
• Offer essential lab support and uphold facility upkeep.

Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or an alike field, paired with at least 1-2 years of relevant lab experience is required. For senior scientist we are looking for over 3 years industry experience.
• Experience in *in vivo* and *in vitro* validation of TCEs (T-cell engagers) all the way though to investigational new drug (IND) approval is critical.
• Knowledge of molecular biology protocols, with an emphasis on cloning and PCR is preferred.
• A background in protein expression, purification and biophysical characterisation is preferred.
• Experience in cell and immunological assays (flow cytometry, ELISA etc.) is desired.
• Experience in NGS analysis pipeline (specifically data analysis using software such as R) is desired.
• SOP documentation experience is desired.
• The highest standards in lab precision, record maintenance, and documentation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Attributes

• Self-starter with sound analytical skills, who values scientific integrity and novelty.
• Collaborative spirit within the lab, open to both giving and receiving actionable feedback.
• Exceptional at diagnosing and overcoming unforeseen technical challenges.
• Adept at juggling and prioritising multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Versatile and efficient within an interdisciplinary, fast-paced team setup.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive salary and stock option package.
• A generous leave policy: 25 days holiday, public holidays, plus a day off for your birthday!
• Access to fully equipped private lab.
• Flexibility to work from home as project demands allow.
• A supportive, cross-disciplinary team fostering a highly collaborative work environment.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter (max 400 words) to m.hasan at exogene.co.uk