Location: On‑site, UK
Sector: Advanced Biologics Discovery
Role Type: Full‑time, Permanent
A fast‑growing, venture‑backed biotechnology organisation is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist in Molecular Pharmacology to drive functional characterisation of next‑generation therapeutic antibodies. This role sits at the centre of discovery, generating the pharmacological evidence that shapes lead selection, mechanism‑of‑action understanding, and candidate progression.
You will be the organisation’s expert in ligand–receptor pharmacology, designing and interpreting assays that define how engineered antibodies engage, activate, inhibit, or modulate their targets.
The Opportunity
As Principal Scientist, you will:
- Lead the design, optimisation and execution of in vitro molecular and cellular pharmacology assays to define antibody mechanism of action, target engagement, potency, efficacy, and selectivity.
- Translate binding and structural insights into functional pharmacology, partnering closely with antibody engineering, protein science and cell biology teams.
- Provide pharmacology strategy and scientific leadership across discovery programmes, influencing lead identification, lead optimisation, and candidate selection criteria.
- Develop and validate novel cell‑based and biochemical assay platforms, incorporating automation or higher‑throughput approaches where appropriate.
- Collaborate with in vivo pharmacology, DMPK and translational sciences to integrate PK/PD concepts, receptor occupancy and exposure–response relationships.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of rigorous, creative, data‑driven science.
- Communicate complex pharmacology findings clearly to senior leadership and external partners; contribute to publications, patents and conference visibility.
Essential Experience
You will bring:
- A PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related discipline (MSc/BS considered with substantial industry experience).
- 5–8+ years’ industry experience in biotech or pharma, contributing directly to discovery programmes from target validation through lead candidate selection.
- Hands‑on expertise in in vitro pharmacology, including: functional cell‑based assays, reporter systems, flow cytometry, or biochemical and bioanalytical techniques
- Strong working knowledge of mechanism‑of‑action, target engagement, and structure–function relationships for therapeutic antibodies.
- Ability to interpret complex pharmacological datasets, including dose–response, EC50/IC50, Emax, and selectivity profiles.
- Demonstrated cross‑functional collaboration with antibody engineering, protein science and/or translational teams.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present complex pharmacology clearly to senior management and non‑specialists.
Desirable Experience (not required, but advantageous)
- Prior line management or formal mentoring experience.
- Hands‑on functional characterisation of antibodies or other biologics.
- Experience with in vivo or ex vivo pharmacology models, or PK/PD modelling.
- Exposure to automation, high‑throughput discovery or AI/ML‑enabled workflows.
- Therapeutic area experience in oncology, immunology or inflammation.
- Immunogenicity or immunological assay experience.
Who You Are
- A high‑energy, proactive scientist who anticipates challenges and proposes solutions.
- A creative thinker who enjoys exploring new pharmacological approaches.
- A clear communicator able to translate complex concepts to non‑experts.
- A collaborative contributor who thrives in fast‑moving biotech environments.
- A hands‑on mentor who builds capability across the team.