Senior Scientist / Research Scientist (Biologics), London

Isomorphic Labs; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology firm in London seeks a Senior Scientist specializing in biologics to drive drug design projects. The role demands a PhD and expertise in antibody discovery. You will lead innovative therapeutic designs and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams. This is an outstanding opportunity to impact the future of drug discovery through AI-driven approaches.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ professional experience in an industry role within a biotech or pharma setting.
• Strong scientific expertise and hands-on experience in antibody discovery and engineering.
• In-depth understanding of protein structure-function relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on design and optimization of novel large molecule therapeutics.
• Coordinate complex projects and manage external collaborations.
• Implement generative AI tools in drug design workflows.

Skills

Immunology

Molecular Biology

Biochemistry

Antibody Discovery

Protein Engineering

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Scientist / Research Scientist (Biologics), London

London

Isomorphic Labs is applying frontier AI to help unlock deeper scientific insights, faster breakthroughs, and life-changing medicines with an ambition to solve all disease.

The future is coming. A future enabled and enriched by the incredible power of machine learning. A future in which diseases are curtailed or cured starting with better and faster drug discovery.

Come and be part of an interdisciplinary team driving groundbreaking innovation and play a meaningful role in contributing towards us achieving our ambitious goals, while being a part of an inspiring and collaborative culture.

The world we want tomorrow is the one we’re building today. It starts with the culture at this company. It starts with you.

About Iso

Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel‑winning AlphaFold system. Since then, our interdisciplinary team of drug discovery experts and machine learning specialists has built powerful new predictive and generative AI models that accelerate scientific discovery at digital speed.

Our name comes from the belief that there is an underlying symmetry between biology and information science. By harnessing AI’s powerful capabilities, we can use it to model complex biological phenomena to help design novel molecules, anticipate how drugs will perform and develop innovative medicines to treat and cure some of the world’s most devastating diseases.

We have built a world‑leading drug design engine comprising AI models that are capable of working across multiple therapeutic areas and drug modalities. We are continually innovating on model architecture and developing cutting‑edge capabilities to advance rational drug design.

Every day, and with each new breakthrough, we’re getting closer to the promise of digital biology, and achieving our ambitious mission to one day solve all disease with the help of AI.

Your Impact

We’re seeking a Senior Scientist / Research Scientist specialising in biologics to contribute to the design of novel large molecule therapeutics, harnessing the transformative power of our cutting‑edge AI drug design engine. This role requires a unique blend of scientific expertise and the intellectual curiosity to explore uncharted territory in therapeutic design.

Within the Biologics Design and Research team, you will play a pivotal role in our drug design projects, working with key internal and external stakeholders to drive the progress of complex projects in early discovery through to candidate selection and, ultimately, advancing candidates towards the clinic. This is an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate closely with Isomorphic Labs’ world‑leading AI, ML, and drug discovery experts, developing imaginative new approaches, based on generative AI, to design and optimise protein‑based therapeutics.

What You Will Do

• De Novo Biologics Design: Independently lead the hands‑on design, optimisation, and rigorous experimental validation of novel large molecule therapeutics, taking concepts from initial idea to well‑characterised lead molecules.
• Drive Project Milestones: Serve as the technical expert for assigned projects, coordinating complex internal workstreams and managing external collaborations/CROs to efficiently progress candidates toward critical go/no‑go decisions.
• Platform Implementation: Drive the practical application and implementation of cutting‑edge generative AI and ML tools within drug design workflows to propose, evaluate, and prioritise novel therapeutic concepts.
• Collaboration: Cultivate productive relationships with interdisciplinary teams (ML, Biology, Chemistry) and external partners, fostering seamless collaboration to deliver high‑quality, data‑driven scientific solutions that drive breakthroughs.
• Advance Experiments: Guide the technical evolution of experimental designs and protocols, fostering a culture of scientific excellence.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3+ years’ professional experience in an industry role, operating within a biotech or pharma setting.
• Strong scientific expertise and hands‑on experience in antibody discovery, engineering, and optimisation strategies, including proficiency with multi‑specifics and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
• In‑depth understanding of protein structure‑function relationships and extensive experience applying de novo design or advanced protein engineering principles (e.g., affinity maturation, liability de‑risking, developability assessment).
• Genuine passion and enthusiasm for applying AI/ML to drug design and how this can transform the field.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional, collaborative team environment.
• Track record of creative problem solving of some of the most difficult problems in drug discovery, with a strong growth mindset, adaptability, and eagerness to learn new concepts and.

Nice to Have

• Demonstrated proficiency in fostering and managing external collaborations with Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
• Experience within immunology and/or oncology therapeutic areas, specifically within the realm of biologics discovery.
• Experience leveraging machine learning or computational biology techniques for biologics design and optimisation.

Culture and values

Thoughtful – Thoughtful at Iso is about curiosity, creativity and care. It is about good people doing good, rigorous and future‑making science every single day.

Brave – Brave at Iso is about fearlessness, but it’s also about initiative and integrity. The scale of the challenge demands nothing less.

Determined – Determined at Iso is the way we pursue our goal. It’s a confidence in our hypothesis, as well as the urgency and agility needed to deliver on it. Because disease won’t wait, so neither should we.

Together – Together at Iso is about connection, collaboration across fields and catalytic relationships. It’s knowing that transformation is a group project, and remembering that what we’re doing will have a real impact on real people everywhere.

Creating an extraordinary company

We believe that to be successful we need a team with a range of skills and talents. We’re building an environment where collaboration is fundamental, learning is shared and every employee feels supported and able to thrive. We value unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, and perspectives, and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.

It’s hugely important for us to share knowledge and build strong relationships with each other, and we find it easier to do this if we spend time together in person. This is why we follow a hybrid model, and would require you to be able to come into the office 3 days a week (currently Tuesday, Wednesday, and one other day depending on which team you’re in). If you have additional needs that would prevent you from following this hybrid approach, we’d be happy to talk through these if you’re selected for an initial screening call.

As an AI‑first company, we embrace tools like Gemini. However, our interview process is designed to understand your unique expertise and problem‑solving skills, and what motivates you. Therefore, we ask that you refrain from using any AI tools, transcription services, or other assistants during your interview and assessment process unless you've made prior arrangements with our Talent team for specific needs or accommodations.