Principal Scientist, 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.
At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients' lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.
Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Principal ScientistAntibody 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 to drive our pipeline. This is an exciting technology-focussed role, is primarily laboratory-based, so innovation and execution are key factor for success. Working within the broader Protein Engineering team, you will provide scientific and technical expertise relating to antibody discovery and engineering that will ultimately result in further progression of our growing pipeline to benefit patients. Publishing both manuscripts and patents is a key measure of success. You will be part of a team that fosters innovation and scientific excellence, values collaborative and matrix working, whilst recognising diversity and the contribution of others.
With our successful launch in 2022, of the world's first TCR based medicine, KIMMTRAK, which is also the first launched treatment for any solid tumour, you will be joining us at the most exciting time in our history and be part of a team that is pushing scientific boundaries.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
This is a laboratory focussed role deploying a wealth of antibody expertise to deliver and shape a variety of technology projects across different matrix teams.
The successful applicant will be recognized as an emerging expert in antibody phage display, discovery, affinity maturation and developability by the scientific community via publications and patents filings.
Lead innovative technology projects via matrix teams that advance immunotherapy drug discovery workflows.
Provides deep scientific and technical expertise in antibody research, including antibody fragments such as scFvs and VHH's, multi-specifics and phage display.
Shape, establish and maintain the strategy and capabilities to further develop and continually improve our Antibody Platform.
Has Ability to input into Antibody-based strategies and strategy across the wider Department. The translation of this strategy to laboratory-based delivery from matrix teams is essential.
Identify innovative antibody technologies that will benefit our discovery processes.
Analyse, interpret and effectively communicate plans and findings at departmental, project, and leadership team meetings, providing go/no go recommendations.
Liaise with Therapy area representatives and the drug pipeline-focussed 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.
Develop and maintain relevant internal and external scientific networks.
Keeping up to date knowledge/awareness of external antibody related research, both academic and industrial.
Proactively interacts with key stakeholders across the business, informing of changes in plans and providing scientific data and updates
Lead and contribute to peer reviewed publications and patents.
Present at international conferences
Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety guidelines, electronic lab notebooks and other systems, policies & procedures
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential
Approximately 10 years' experience in biologics drug discovery
Experience with a variety of antibody discovery platforms, affinity maturation methods and Developability analytics and tools
Track record of proactively leading drug and/or technology matrix teams and solving complex scientific challenges including determining objectives and organizing activities and successfully delivering on these 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.
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 use of machine learning to benefit antibody discovery and engineering.
Experience with automation/robotics in drug discovery
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