Principal Research Scientist I, Immunobiology

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.co.uk. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

• Principal Research Scientist I, Immunobiology
• Oxford, United Kingdom 
• Full-time (onsite)

Background:

DJS-AbbVie is an AbbVie R&D hub located in Oxford, created following AbbVie’s acquisition in 2022 of DJS Antibodies. As part of AbbVie, we aim to develop new medicines that improve the lives of patients with immunological diseases. 

To achieve this, we have built and are now expanding an R&D presence in Oxford that integrates drug design, human-centric biology and mechanistic clinical testing. We have discovered and developed multiple novel pipeline candidates in immunological diseases through our onsite capabilities in antibody discovery and translational biology. We also act as a UK and European hub for the wider AbbVie R&D organisation, uncovering novel biology and advancing late-stage assets to the clinic through collaboration with top-tier academic and biotech partners in Oxford and beyond. This hub model has already delivered several first-in-class drug candidates and clinical assets, supported by a broad network of local collaborations spanning drug discovery technologies, novel disease biology, and innovative clinical trial approaches. The breadth of innovative activity taking place here makes this a unique place to work and a vital part of AbbVie’s ambition to turn science into cures. 

Purpose:

The role reports into the most senior immuno-biologist on site in Oxford (the Principal Scientist II, Immunobiology). The purpose of wider Oxford Immunobiology group is to uncover and validate novel biology and targets coming from external academic collaborators, as well as internal ‘reverse translation’ clinical sample datasets, and ensure that the best targets are translated into new discovery programs. Within this larger team, you will line-manage a new-build team of 2-3 scientists and associate scientists. The team will have a particular focus on modelling immunological mechanisms, including the use of complex in vitro model systems (CIVMs). You will need to set strategy around which models the team builds, working with stakeholders across the wider US-based R&D and Immunology organisation to determine where the organisational need lies. You will also need to work closely with your lab-based team and peers to optimise and troubleshoot the models, and will therefore require strong working knowledge of key immunological techniques, and standards of scientific rigour required to establish robust assays/models. You will work closely with your boss and peers to develop the medium and long-strategy for immunobiology in Oxford, defining priority biology areas and targets. You will also shape and lead the generation of data packages to support target entry into the AbbVie Immunology portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Line manage a group of 2-3 scientists and associate scientists working on modelling immunobiological processes.
• Engaging with the literature and attending conferences to maintain deep understanding of target and disease biology.
• Set the strategy for this team, identifying the key biological areas and mechanisms for the team to focus on.
• Work closely with benchtop scientists to design experiments and troubleshoot model builds.
• Spend a portion of time leading and working from the bench, establishing and understanding the models owned by their team.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and equipment to expand capabilities in line with current and future needs.
• Shape and lead the generation of target validation packages to support the entry of targets into the AbbVie portfolio.
• Support later stage discovery programs by uncovering the biological mode of action of leads and candidate drugs.
• Develop a deep understanding of AbbVie Immunology’s research strategy.
• Validation of tools to support pathway deconvolution and target validation.
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to all DJS programs.

Essential Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in a relevant field: BSc or PhD or equivalent experience in drug discovery or target validation, preferably in industry.
• Detailed working knowledge of key immunological techniques:
  • Primary cell culture and functional in vitro/ex vivo assays, with at least one of the following: fibroblasts or other mesenchymal cells, myeloid cells or lymphocytic cells
  • Flow cytometry
  • Fluorescence microscopy
• At least two years of practical experience establishing and extracting insights from either complex in vitro model systems, or in vivo models.
• Have conducted research into at least one immunological disease area 
• Experience in deconvoluting biological pathways or formal target validation work.

Desirable qualifications:

• Practical experience of advanced techniques such as spectral flow cytometry, automated and high-content imaging.
• Practical experience with ‘omics technologies and interpretation of results: bulk RNAseq, single cell RNA seq.
• Experience working with and establishing explant/biopsied-tissue based bioassays.
• Practical experience in data management and processing of high-content readouts
• Building and maintaining collaborative networks of researchers across multiple organisations
• Working within an industrial setting on a drug development program
• Establishing assays with primary cells, working with organoids or organ on a chip models
• Performing high-throughput assays
• Working with contract research organisations
• Antibody binding techniques; ELISA, FACS, SPR etc.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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