Principal Scientist

S3 Science Recruitment; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Collaborative culture

Impact on therapy development

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Principal Scientist in Immunology to provide scientific leadership in drug discovery programs. This role involves shaping immunology strategy, overseeing complex studies, and guiding a team of scientists. Candidates should have a PhD in Immunology and extensive experience in drug discovery, with a proven track record of successful project leadership in immune-mediated disease areas. The position offers competitive salary and benefits in a collaborative, science-driven culture.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or related life science.
• Significant industry experience in drug discovery immunology.
• Proven track record of progressing targets or programs through discovery stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead immunology strategy across drug discovery programs.
• Drive target identification, validation, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Design and oversee complex in vitro and in vivo immunology studies.

Skills

Immunology

Drug discovery

Experimental models

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

PhD in Immunology or related life sciences

Job description

Recruitment Consultant @ S3 Science Recruitment | Headhunting, Drug Discovery Recruitment

About the Role

We are looking for a Principal Scientist in Immunology to provide scientific leadership across our drug discovery programs. You will be responsible for shaping immunology strategy from target identification through to preclinical development, translating deep immune biology into innovative therapeutic approaches.

This role suits an experienced immunologist who enjoys combining hands‑on science with strategic influence and cross‑functional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead immunology strategy across one or more drug discovery programs
• Drive target identification, validation, and mechanism‑of‑action studies within immune‑mediated disease areas
• Design, oversee, and interpret complex in vitro and in vivo immunology studies
• Act as a scientific expert in immune pathways, cell signaling, and disease biology
• Partner closely with chemistry, DMPK, translational, and bioinformatics teams
• Guide and mentor scientists, fostering strong experimental thinking and scientific rigor
• Present scientific data and program strategy to senior leadership and governance forums
• Support external collaborations with CROs and academic partners

Required Experience & Skills

• PhD in Immunology, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related life science
• Significant industry experience in drug discovery immunology
• Proven track record of progressing targets or programs through discovery stages
• Strong understanding of immune mechanisms, pathway biology and experimental models
• Experience leading projects and influencing cross‑functional teamsExcellent communication skills and ability to translate complex biology into clear decisions
• Experience in autoimmune, inflammatory, oncology‑immunology, or immuno‑oncology research
• Familiarity with translational immunology, biomarkers and patient‑relevant models
• Experience managing external vendors or collaborations

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape immunology strategy at a senior scientific level
• Science‑driven, collaborative culture
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Real impact on the development of next‑generation immune‑targeted therapies