Associate Principal Scientist-Cell Biology & Assay Development

As an Associate Principal Scientist, with a track record of drug delivery in Immuno-Oncology, you will be a pivotal member of the Cell Biology & Assay Development team. You will be experienced in line management of a small wet-lab team, with a focus on delivery. You will provide technical mentorship to ensure delivery of the highest quality data from the team across projects spanning early stage discovery to preclinical . You will have in-depth experience of assay development and execution across a broad range of functional cell-based assays relevant to immuno-oncology drug discovery.

Our Cell Biology & Assay Development team is responsible for delivering cell-based functional data to characterise and validate our machine learning-designed antibodies. Working closely with other functional teams, we develop both high- and low- throughput screening, mechanistic and translational assays to characterise, understand and validate our novel antibodies. We integrate automation into our assay pipelines to deliver machine learning-grade data to accelerate and advance our in-house drug discovery pipeline.

What you’ll do in this role

• You will manage a team of 4-5 FTEs, reporting directly to the Head of Cell Biology and Assay Development.
• You will conduct set goals for team members, provide feedback, technical mentorship and troubleshooting, QC data and presentations and conduct ELN audits.
• Identify/propose new technologies/methodologies within the team.
• You will provide hands-on teaching from the bench and have an ‘all hands on deck mindset’ to help out ad hoc in the lab when required.
• You will be accountable for the quality and timely delivery of your direct reports’ work packages.
• You will embed in all of LabGenius’ projects and understand company priorities.
• You will work closely with the Head of Cell Biology and Assay Development to ensure adequate resourcing across projects, identifying bottlenecks and proposing/implementing solutions to overcome these.
• You will have a proactive approach to ensuring data is delivered on time, with the ability to troubleshoot when needed to prevent project delays.
• You’ll share your knowledge throughout the company and help to train others.
• You will keep up to date with the latest technical developments in the field along with a competitive intelligence awareness.

What we’re looking for

• You will have relevant industrial experience with a strong scientific background in one or more of antibody discovery, immuno-oncology or T-cell biology.
• You will bring experience of delivering cell-based assays and how they support drug discovery.
• You’ll have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with specialists from your own and other fields (e.g. data science, protein production, automation).
• You will have experience in progressing immuno-oncology drugs from discovery into preclinical/translational stages.
• You will have experience in delivering functional assay-based workpackages for IND/regulatory agency submission, including report writing.
• You will have experience in line managing teams (3+ FTE), where you will be the first port of call for any technical and personal issues
• You will be working closely with the Head of Department to ensure adequate resourcing across the team and identify any clashes.
• Experience in Benchling would be an advantage.
• In addition to the above, we are looking for people who will embrace, embody and enhance not only our company values – but also our mindsets which you can find detailed on our careers page: https://labgeniustx.com/careers/

What you’ll receive from us

Aside from being part of our brilliant, purpose-driven team, you’ll also enjoy:

Financial 💸

• Discretionary performance-linked annual bonus
• A generous stock option plan
• 3x Salary Life Insurance with YuLife
• Health Shield Cash Back Plan on day-to-day health expenses
• 5% pension, with an additional top up on tax savings from us
• Free Will-writing Service

Health 🍏

• Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical (currently with AXA)
• Discounted gym membership through either AXA or HealthShield
  24/7 access to GP Services
• Access to the Cycle to Work scheme: to make your commute cheaper, healthier and a whole lot greener
• Easy access to the on-site gym and climbing wall to break a sweat or indulge your inner monkey available at competitive rates

Time-Off ⏰

• 25 days annual leave (plus the bank holidays)
• Up to 20 days paid sick leave (including mental health days – no questions asked)
• 3 days paid emergency leave so it doesn’t eat into your relaxation time
• 1 week paid bereavement leave plus 1 day to attend a funeral
• 1 day paid for moving home

Wellbeing 💛

• Employee Assistance Programme including access to coaching and CBT sessions

Team-building 🤝

• Weekly team lunches through Feedr.
• A programme of social events both company-wide and within your own teams