Senior Scientist (SS), Antibody Discovery and Engineering

FairJourney Biologics; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary & benefits package

Generous parental leave policies

On-site gym and wellness programs

Job summary

A biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge seeks a Senior Scientist to lead antibody discovery projects. This role requires 6+ years in antibody drug discovery, and a PhD in a related field. Candidates should have experience with display technologies and data analysis. Join a dynamic team committed to innovative antibody research and development, offering an attractive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on experience in antibody drug discovery, preferably in industry.
• Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g., phage/mammalian display).
• Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead antibody discovery programs ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes.
• Manage client and internal stakeholder relationships to drive project success.
• Collect, analyse, and present scientific data to inform decision-making.

Skills

Antibody drug discovery

Molecular biology

Cellular biology

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in Antibody Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

FACS

Biochemical assays (e.g., ELISA, SPR)

Job description

Overview

Senior Scientist (SS), Antibody Discovery and Engineering – FairJourney Biologics

Join to apply for the Senior Scientist (SS), Antibody Discovery and Engineering role at FairJourney Biologics.

FairJourney Biologics acquired IONTAS in 2020 and is a global leader in discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners. Our sites include Porto, Cambridge, and San Francisco, with a focus on antibody discovery and engineering using phage and mammalian display technologies.

The Role

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Scientist to join the Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III). This onsite, lab-based role provides lab leadership, collaborates with internal experts in antibody discovery and display technologies, and reports to a team leader.

You will shape and deliver projects involving identification, optimisation and screening of novel antibody-based therapeutics, applying and refining display technologies and engineering methods. Responsibilities include independent design and execution of experiments, data analysis, communication of findings to the team and clients, and providing technical training with line management responsibilities. A positive, solution-focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
• Manage and strengthen client and internal stakeholder relationships to drive project success.
• Guide project decisions in collaboration with team leaders and clients using your antibody discovery expertise.
• Initiate and lead novel research directions and strategic initiatives to advance business objectives.
• Collaborate with the Technology Unit to evaluate and integrate novel platforms into the drug discovery process. As a line manager, support individuals to deliver project work and develop professionally.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
• Present findings and progress updates to senior management, partners, and at scientific conferences.

Your Profile

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Antibody Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, or a related field.
• 6+ years of hands-on experience in antibody drug discovery, preferably within industry, with understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures and sequences.
• Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display).
• Experience in antibody display library construction is advantageous.
• Strong molecular biology and cellular biology skills, including DNA cloning and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
• In vitro cell-based assays experience (e.g. reporter, TDCC).
• Biochemical assays experience (e.g. ELISA, SPR).
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Influencing skills to shape project decisions and direction.
• Ability to plan time and prioritise work; maintain clear written records; communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prior experience in project and line management is desirable.

Be Part of a Global Team

Collaborate with teams in Porto, Cambridge, and San Francisco. Work alongside world-class scientists, share insights across sites, and contribute to groundbreaking antibody discovery projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies

IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies shaping the future of drug discovery.

As the biopharmaceutical industry evolves, FairJourney Biologics remains well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities in antibody discovery.

Benefits & Perks

• Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
• Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients, and the broader scientific community.
• Attractive salary & benefits package, including pension and life insurance.
• Generous parental leave policies.
• Unity Campus offers networking events, seminars, and an on-site gym with personal training, yoga, and wellness programs.

Applications

Applications must be submitted directly through our website.