Scientist/Sr./Principal Scientist, ADC & Translational Research

Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT) is a clinical stage oncology company with a pipeline of immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugate-based therapies. OBT's IO discovery process provides unique insight into the cancer-immune cell synapse and has identified several novel IO candidates for cancer therapy. Discovery of novel tumour antigens and immune cell surface proteins at OBT is performed using the proprietary Oxford Genome Anatomy Project (OGAP®) database. OBT currently has one ADC in phase 1b clinical trials in collaboration with Menarini. OBT is a dynamic, growing, international biotechnology company based in Oxford, UK, and San Jose, CA.

For further information, please see www.oxfordbiotherapeutics.com

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a Scientist/Sr/Principal Scientist experienced in ADC and Translational Research to join our team. This person will contribute directly to OBT’s Oncology ADC pipeline and drive innovation with cancer biologists, immunologists, and protein and antibody discovery scientists to develop first-in-class ADC therapies. They must be a team player, strategic thinker, and effective communicator to accomplish the company’s goals in the fast-paced and dynamic industry environment.

The Antibody drug conjugate (ADC) & Translational Science team is at the forefront of developing and delivering novel targeted therapies for the unmet needs to transform the lives of cancer patients. We identify, validate, and advance the discovery of new ADCs through comprehensive biological evaluations of tumor-associated antigens, their targeting antibodies, and linker payloads, as well as vigorous preclinical studies. As we drive toward the next generation of therapeutics, we seek an energetic, highly motivated, and interactively proficient scientist to perform hands-on experiments to advance projects and/or development decisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Design and execute key in vitro and ex vivo experiments independently to identify and characterize novel tumor-associated antigens and evaluate ADCs with different payloads and DARs that inform and enable project progression.
• Utilize diverse cutting-edge molecular and cell-based techniques including antibody internalization rate analysis, antigen recycle rate analysis, antigen density analysis, various effector-dependent and independent cytotoxicity assays in high throughput and real time manners, ELISA, multiplex cytokine immunoassays, immunogenic cell death, (ICD), quantitative multi-colored flow cytometry analysis (FlowJo), GraphPad Prism, CyTOF, gene set enrichment analysis, bioanalytical pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays, toxicity profiling screening, immunogenicity, ADA evaluation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with discovery, bioinformatics, protein sciences, and translational teams to drive ADC candidate selection and optimization.
• Conduct and interpret binding affinity assays, stability studies, and functional characterization of engineered antibodies.
• Expand in-house capabilities for ADC toxicity by implementing new techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
• Apply ML/AI approaches to guide antibody sequence optimization, develop predictive models, and analyze large datasets (e.g., sequence-function relationships, developability metrics).
• Cultivate a culture of scientific excellence, urgency, critical thinking, and continuous learning.
• Independently devise, execute, and analyze hypothesis-driven translational research experiments to identify PD biomarkers, mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance and test novel drug-combinations to further advance the OBT ADC pipeline.
• Lead programs by executing lead optimization strategies and driving discovery goals.
• Prepare patent applications and publish impactful research.
• Supervise, mentor and train less experienced employees

Please note the roles and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the above.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

• PhD. in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related discipline. Master’s degree with 6-10+ years of experience or bachelor’s degree with 8-12+ years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. 
• Post-doctoral training (4+ years) or MD in oncology or related field in academia or pharma industry.
• Self-motivated with a strong desire to uncover novel biology and develop new therapeutics.
• Experience with primary human cellular/tissue-based assays to guide/inform indication selection, biomarker discovery and mechanism-of-action.
• Experience with quantitative FACS using multiple color-labeled markers by design.
• Deep-understanding statistical design and analysis (i.e., GraphPad Prism) for preclinical experiments.
• Ability to identify and plan critical experiments aligned with team objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address complex challenges with innovative and effective approaches.
• Experience working in matrix teams to deliver defined objectives.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset with the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and facilitate critical decision making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present to both internal and external collaborators

Behaviors:

• Highly self-motivated
• Creative problem solver
• Adopts a resilient and proactive approach 
• Team oriented
• Supportive
• A positive attitude
• Enthusiasm
• Flexibility and agile 
• Readiness to learn new methods
  

One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• STD, LTD, Basic Life, Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Up to 120 hours of Paid Time Off in your first year (increasing with tenure)
• 5 sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual training budget for professional development
• Annual bonus program
• New hire stock options
• Team building events and activities

Equal Opportunities Statement

OBT is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. 

Why Join Us

We promote a culture of innovation, responsibility, and commitment to our goals and objectives. Together, we believe we can pool our resources and our uniqueness to develop novel, robust cures for one of the most challenging health conditions today. We recognize that our team is only as good as the people in it. Our people have used the words friendly, collaborative, and hard working to describe the culture here at OBT. This is why we strive to ensure that we hire only the best people. We also strive to provide a working environment that is based on cooperation, innovation, and mutual respect.