DJS Antibodies (An AbbVie Company) - Senior Scientist II - Cellular Pharmacologist/Immunologist

• A new role due to expansion
• Based at the vibrant research community of Oxford
• Comprehensive benefits package including car allowance
• Amazing career opportunities in a growing division with exceptional training

At DJS we are aspiring to create the next generation of antibody therapeutics, and in doing so, change the prognosis for patients living with life-changing conditions. We love working with people who share this vision and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of science to improve human health. Following our acquisition by AbbVie in October 2022 we are well positioned to use our technologies and expertise to pursue the toughest and most transformational targets. As we move forward our vision is to marry the biotech spirit of innovation and collaboration with big pharma expertise and experience to deliver life changing medicines for patients.

Job Objective:

The DJS-001 project is developing a first in class bispecific antibody to target myeloid cell-driven inflammatory disease. Through our novel biological insights, into the key drivers of myeloid cell recruitment and activation, we are developing a first in class therapeutic molecule capable of successfully targeting myeloid cell-driven inflammatory pathologies. which has exciting and wide-ranging applications in inflammatory disease and beyond.

A successful candidate will work within the DJS-001 project team with an initial focus to develop and perform translational assays. The aim will be to further understand the mechanism of action/tune the activity of our bispecific molecule to achieve maximal biological activity/clinical efficacy.  Furthermore, a successful applicant will work with the project team to develop translational biology strategies for DJS-001 as we move toward the clinic

Key Responsibilities:

• Bringing energy, enthusiasm, and positivity to the company
• Independently design and implement studies to understand the MOA and differentiation of DJS-001 – both internally and with external partners
• Conduct experiments and functional assays (e.g. cell assays, flow cytometry, cellular imaging)
• Become a go-to expert on myeloid cell biology in the context of DJS-001
• Leading expert from the bench in primary cell assay development techniques and technologies
• Mentor junior scientists from the bench side in pharmacological techniques and primary cell assays
• Performing critical laboratory experiments and analysis to inform key decision making on DJS-001
• Work as a key member of the DJS-001 project team and contribute to strategic decision making
• Keeping up to date with developments in the literature in relation to all aspects of the DJS-001 program
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to all DJS programs
• Develop and refine DJS internal laboratory capabilities
• Gather, analyse and present data from a variety of sources to the wider team and organisation

Skills and Experience:

• A PhD or equivalent level of experience of working in a research laboratory and experience of working within drug discovery organisations
• Enthusiasm and commitment to drug development research
• Experience of working on therapeutic drug discovery
• Proven expertise and experience in Development of ex vivo primary cell translational assays, Development of in vitro pharmacological assays, Cellular immunology techniques (flow cytometry, imaging etc.), Primary cell membrane protein quantification.
• Desirable experience in experimental design for in vivo pharmacological/ translational studies, Expertise in human myeloid cell biology and diseases, Experience in managing outsourced projects.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.