Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics

Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics

AbbVie

Oxford, United Kingdom

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to work that is scientifically ambitious, strategically important, and directly connected to patient impact. You will help shape programmes that aim to deplete pathogenic cells and enable long-term disease modification, while working in an environment that values scientific ownership, deep expertise, and collaborative problem-solving.

Why this role?

Autonomy

In this role, you will have significant scope to shape scientific strategy, influence portfolio direction, and act as molecule lead on selected programmes where appropriate. You will work closely with the team leader and cross-functional partners to define approaches, assess risk, and guide experimental plans. We are looking for someone who is confident taking ownership of complex scientific challenges and who thrives when given the freedom to lead with rigour and initiative.

Mastery

This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to deepen and apply expertise in drug discovery and immunology focusing on cellular depletion via any available modalities. You will have the opportunity to tackle challenging discovery questions and complex protein designs, contribute original ideas and champion innovative methods ultimately enhancing the scientific capability within the team. You will also mentor colleagues, share knowledge, and help develop a strong drug discovery mindset across the function.

Purpose

Our work is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for patients with serious and challenging diseases. In this role, you will help advance novel therapeutics with the potential to achieve durable disease improvement beyond symptomatic treatment. Your contributions will support programme progression from concept to candidate nomination, influence translational strategy, and help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

Successful applicant's key responsibilities

• Where appropriate act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing technical expertise and cross-functional leadership as teams form around assets;
• Together with the team leader develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with AbbVie’s overall immunology strategy;
• Serve as a key lab focused scientist at the DJS-AbbVie Oxford site, and ultimately act as a recognised scientific expert within the wider AbbVie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action;
• Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, development sciences, clinical development, and precision medicine;
• Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning;
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends and translate relevant insights into functional objectives;
• Apply imagination and innovation to create and implement new or improved approaches and breakthrough ideas;
• Proactively share knowledge to build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset;
• Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development;
• Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non-scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.

Qualifications

Applicant’s essential attributes

• Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programs with at least one proven example of a cell depletion modality;
• Education - BS, MS or PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area;
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies;
• Creative and practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies;
• Recognised as an expert in your discipline, internally and ideally externally;
• Strong publication, presentation, regulatory and/or patent record;
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences.

Applicant’s desired attributes

• Recognised expert in using cellular therapies e.g. CAR-T, CAR-NK, CAR-Treg, etc.;
• OR recognised expert in complex antibody engineering including bispecific and novel formats;
• Strong background in translational biology.