Associate Director, Antibody Platform

Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry's most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.
Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, while seeking talented individuals to work with us across the many functions that will allow us to deliver new medicines to transform the lives of patients. You will work with outstanding people who together pioneer the research, development and commercialization of bi-specific TCR therapies. We aim to create an environment where individual contributions and initiatives can be maximized, while fostering a culture of collaboration, based on respect and integrity. We want each individual employee to own their career, as part of high-performing teams, and in the context of on-the-job and formal continuous development and training, as well as constructive feedback. We always strive to identify ways to improve what we do and how we do it, by asking questions, voicing opinions, exploring various approaches and staying connected with healthcare professionals, patients, academia and other key partners.
The Associate DirectorAntibody Platform will provide world class expertise in antibody related technologies to drive in house innovation and further advance Immunocore's platform and multi-specific technologies. This is an exciting technology-focussed role so innovation and execution is a key factor for success. Working within the broader Protein Engineering team, you will provide scientific and technical leadership relating to antibody discovery and engineering that will ultimately result in further progression of our growing pipeline to benefit patients. Establishing and maintaining a team in an environment that fosters innovation, scientific excellence, promotes science, and recognises the contribution of others will underpin success.
With the successful launch of the first TCR based medicine last year, you will be joining us at the most exciting time in our history, and be part of a team that values trust, collaboration and innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provides deep scientific and technical expertise in antibody research, including antibody fragments and multi-specifics
* Shape, establish and maintain the strategy and capabilities to further develop and continually improve our Antibody Platform
* Bridge the execution of the antibody strategy with execution by the laboratory-based teams
* Identify innovative antibody technologies that will benefit our discovery processes
* Lead innovative technology projects that advance immunotherapy drug discovery workflows
* Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate plans and findings at departmental, project, and leadership team meetings, providing go/no go recommendations
* Liaise with Therapy area leaders and the drug pipeline-focused teams to identify and trial potential antibody technology developments that would benefit Research
* Liaise with relevant stakeholders across Research and the wider organisation and present to governance committees as required on recommendations
* Develop and maintain relevant internal and external scientific networks
* Keeping up to date knowledge/awareness of external antibody related research, both academic and industrial
* Lead and contribute to peer reviewed publications and patents
* Present at international conferences
* Shape the future of Immunocore's platform whilst leading a group of around 4- 5 staff, including:
* Conducting their annual appraisals, career development discussions and identifying development needs
* Setting objectives and goals, providing regular feedback on personal performance and reviewing progress against objectives.
* Recognizing and acknowledging the success of individuals, teams and projects
* Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety guidelines, electronic lab notebooks and other systems, policies & procedures
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential
* Experienced in biologics drug discovery
* Experience with a variety of antibody discovery platforms, affinity maturation methods and Developability analytics and tools
* Experience in leading teams or project(s) and successfully delivering objectives to time
* Understands the significance and impact of antibody and multi-specific-based therapies, is aware of the relevant technologies in the field and understands the similarities and differences within each of these
* Strong publication record
* Experience in implementing innovative solutions that benefit drug discovery
* Established as a recognised expert in the field
* Proposed and delivered significant changes that have measurably improved company pipeline or
technology capabilities
* Initiated interdisciplinary and/or academic collaborations
* Presented scientific findings or papers to internal and external audiences, including to partners or at conferences
Desirable
* A network of external scientific contacts
* Experience in the deployment of machine learning to benefit antibody discovery and engineering
* Experience with automation/robotics in drug discovery
* Mentored and coached colleagues in scientific practices and theory
KEY BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES
* Proactively builds collaborative relationships and fosters innovative thinking
* Strong team player with ability to actively listen and work productively with other team members in a matrix environment
* Ability to communicate clearly to relevant audiences, both to senior leaders and project teams
* Ability to think ahead and demonstrate flexibility in response to evolving needs of drug discovery
* Attention to quality and delivery
* Strong organisation skills with ability to plan, prioritise and coordinate work with others
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
* Essential: PhD. or MSc. in protein engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology or related discipline