Principal Scientist Discovery

We are seeking a Principal Scientist who thrives in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment and is equally passionate about making an impact through science and hands-on lab work, as well as leading and developing highly engaged and motivated teams.

The purpose of this role is to lead and implement lab-based scientific experiments within the Discovery team through a combination of scientific expertise, project management, line management and active presence in the laboratory.

The Discovery team is responsible for the inception, development and IND readiness of the company’s next-generation multi-receptor activating cell engagers (Actibodies), targeting various immune cell types including gamma delta T cells and other innate and adaptive immune cells.

As Principal Scientist, you work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design, plan, execute and integrate experimental work across the research and development pipeline. This includes supporting construct design, validating novel architectures, generating proof-of-concept data, and developing safety and potency packages.

You also contribute to the design of pre-clinical work packages and early process development plans to support the progression of Actibodies into clinical trials. The role is approximately 50% lab-based and includes both hands-on experimental work and leadership of project-driven activities.

Leading projects of significant scientific and technical complexity from conception through to completion, you ensure high-quality delivery and reporting of results. In addition, you line manage a small team of scientists and associate scientists, taking responsibility for their professional development and performance.

Joining Avidicure means helping bring a new kind of immunotherapy to life at the forefront of scientific progress. Triple agonism gives the immune system the full set of signals it needs to fight cancer more effectively, solving problems that have held the field back for years. You’d be part of a team that blends deep immunology expertise with modern design tools. Over the next decade, our aim is to make Actibodies a new standard of care for patients. If you want your work to genuinely change what’s possible in cancer treatment, this is the place to do it.

The Principal Scientist reports to the Director of Translational Sciences.

• Line management and development of a team responsible for:
  • Building and implementing strategies to optimise the design of Actibodies to enhance immune cell functions in the context of hematological or solid cancers.
  • Design, planning and delivery of functional characterisation data for Actibodies targeting various immune cells from the innate and adaptive system.
• Contribute to the pre-clinical development and progression to clinic of Actibodies by building good communication and close collaboration with Discovery, Research, CMC and clinical colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with R&D colleagues, protein team and the in-silico team to generate ideas, strategies and data to further progress Avidicure’s portfolio.
• Use knowledge of the end-to-end drug development process to drive experimental planning, coordination, and prioritisation.
• Generate rigorous scientific documentation including ELNs and reports and concise visual and oral presentations to communicate in cross-functional teams to peers, senior management and other key stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Translational Sciences to assure strategy is carried out properly and timelines are met.
• Lead projects of significant scientific or technical complexity from conception to completion, ensuring work is completed and reported to a high standard.
• Contribute creatively beyond own functional group, promoting the use of novel approaches to problem solving and/or project progression.

Personal Attributes & Key Skills:

• Purpose-driven and curious, highly motivated to be part of an organisation that is shaping a new therapeutic class from the ground up.
• A team leader that measures their success by the success of their team while at the same time relishes being part of the team doing the hands-on lab work.
• Commitment to high-quality research standards, with attention to detail and rigorous record keeping and data integrity.
• Ability to lead as well as work co-operatively with others, as part of a team, engaging constructively with colleagues at all levels to deliver objectives, using effective scientific communication skills.
• Enjoys working in a structured environment and is willing to comply with GDT Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.
• Good IT skills including confidence with use of scientific software.
• Willing and able to work flexible hours to fit with tissue/cell availability.

Education/Experience

• Educated to MSc/PhD level with at least 5 years industry experience in the field of immuno-oncology or immune engager technology, primarily gained in a biotech/pharma environment
• Extensive practical expertise, including techniques such as primary T cell culture, gene engineering and cloning, real-time quantitative PCR, cell-based functional assays and immune assays, including multiparameter flow cytometry
• Good understanding of immune cell signal transduction pathways would be preferable
• Understanding of innate immune cells, potentially gamma delta T cells would be preferable
• Previous line management experience of 4+ reports in a biotech setting would be preferable