Scientist I Full-time

Scientist

At DJS-AbbVie, we are committed to advancing new therapeutics and translating novel immunological science into innovative R&D programs. As a UK-based R&D hub within AbbVie Immunology, we combine the agility, scientific focus and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialist discovery team with the scale, resources and ambition of a global pharmaceutical company. To date we have discovered a number of immunological drug candidates to date and continue to grow our exciting portfolio.

A critical part of achieving our vision is working with fantastic people, and as such we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Scientist I/II to join the team. For this role, candidates should be excited about working in a dynamic team. This position represents an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin or develop their career within an industry laboratory research environment working on innovative projects whilst developing a variety of new skills.

The successful applicant should have a track record of immunology research in industry or academia. They will be an experimentalist, able to design and execute experiments using a variety of techniques including flow cytometry and imaging. In addition, they should be skilled at interpreting insights from the literature and translating them into actionable experiments. Day-to-day, they will work collaboratively in project teams who are focused on different programs at different stages of the R&D process. They should therefore be keen to get involved with all aspects of research at DJS. This will necessitate clear communication and excellent time management. Alongside organizational skills, however, they must enjoy adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

At DJS, we want to foster innovative scientists performing drug-discovery led by cutting-edge science. In this role the successful candidate will develop knowledge across mechanistic biology, pharmacology, and early discovery with visibility across our portfolio of early discovery through to clinical-stage drug candidates. As such this role will bring many career development opportunities. These are extended further by our unique position within AbbVie, which allows access into a much broader, world-leading drug development pipeline and learnings about broader pharmaceutical business.

Successful applicant's key responsibilities include:

• Bringing energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the company
• Running cellular assays using cell lines and human primary cells to assess antibody efficacy, potency and MOA, also to validate new targets.
• Performing critical laboratory experiments and analysis to support strategic decision making within project teams.
• Engaging with the literature to better understand target biology and identify new assay methods.
• Develop their skill set to become a go-to expert for imaging based assays.
• Day-to-day laboratory management as part of the team e.g. maintaining a safe and clean working laboratory environment, re-ordering laboratory consumables
• Mentor junior scientists from the benchside in new and novel cell biology techniques and methodologies
• Gathering, analysing and presenting data from a variety of sources to the wider team and organization
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to all DJS programs
• Develop and refine DJS internal laboratory capabilities
• Critical and impartial review of self and peer generated laboratory data
• Maintenance of laboratory experimental records

Applicant's required attributes include:

• A PhD in Immunology or related field, or equivalent level of lab experience
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to drug discovery and drug development research
• Have a passion for in vitro immunology and translational biology
• Proven expertise and experience in:
• Human primary cell culture and in vitro and ex vivo assays
• Cell biology techniques including flow cytometry, ELISA (plate or bead based) and fluorescence microscopy

Desirable skills include:

• Human primary cell antibody screening assay development (high and medium throughput).
• Experience in running human complex in-vitro models such as organ-on-a-chip models or organoids.
• Experience working with myeloid cells and performing differentiation assays.
• Fluorescent imaging image analysis and quantification (use of software such as Molecular Devices InCarta).
• Omics-based approaches such as RNA-seq.

Evidence of excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work efficiently with strong attention to detail
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• Laboratory method development
• Ability to work flexible hours when required
• Proven written and oral communicative ability
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong IT skills

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.