Translational Biology Lead

At DJS we are aspiring to create the next generation of antibody therapeutics, and in doing so, change patients’ lives. We love working with people who share this vision and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of science to improve human health. A critical part of achieving our vision is working with fantastic people, and as such we are looking for a Translational Biology Lead to join the team.

 

For this role, you should be excited about working in a small, dynamic team; always be keen to get involved; and be a team player. It is an excellent opportunity for someone to develop a translational biology platform which will drive key decisions for our inflammatory and fibrosis clinical drug development programs. Your first goal will be to work with preclinical models and human samples to characterise the biological mechanism of action of novel antibody drugs, and identify biomarkers of drug efficacy. These might be biochemical biomarkers, imaging techniques, or functional clinical readouts. You will then use these findings to work with our clinical team to select the patient populations most likely to benefit from our drugs for inclusion in clinical trial, and also develop the readouts of drug efficacy in human trials. This exciting role will therefore shape preclinical and clinical development strategies across our pipeline. Depending on applicant experience, there will be opportunities for leadership and management.

Applicants should have laboratory research experience, particularly in the areas of functional biology, cellular biology and molecular biology, ideally with practical experience of in vivo models (not essential). As part of this role, you will work on novel discovery and early development programmes; establish models, methodologies and external relationships for key biological Proof of Concept studies; develop internal in vitro assays; and help other team members with a wide variety of laboratory techniques. You should have advanced organisational skills with a strong attention to detail, and should always approach problems with a positive attitude.

The details

Job Title
Translational Biology Lead
Salary
Competitive salary plus employee share options
Location
Oxford, UK
Hours
Full time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing date
Open until filled

Key responsibilities

  • Lead translational research on programs as they pivot from early discovery into clinical development
  • Bring energy to our team to maintain our positive company culture
  • Independently design and execute preclinical studies – both internally and through external partners, and interpret the results of these studies
  • Evaluate and compare approaches to generate data from clinical samples and guide decisions on the development of assays, internally or at CROs
  • Develop our internal capacity for translational biology techniques
  • Conduct analytical and functional assays (e.g. ELISA, qPCR, cellular assays, FACS)
  • Perform laboratory experiments and analyse data
  • Gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data
  • Potentially lead and manage more junior scientists
  • Contribute ideas to different project and team members

You should have

  • A PhD or equivalent level of experience working in a research laboratory, and 3 or more years of experience
  • Enthusiasm for, and commitment to, research on drug discovery
  • Experience with either in vivo preclinical models, or alternatively working with human ex vivo samples
  • Experience in translational research with a successful record of input into projects
  • Desirable
    • Good working knowledge of methods to quantify biomolecules such as metabolites, mRNA and protein (these could include qPCR, Western, ELISA, MSD assays, FACS, mass spectrometry, etc.)
    • Experience managing outsourced preclinical studies with CROs
    • Experience working on antibody discovery/development programmes
    • Familiarity with ‘omics approaches for biomarker discovery (e.g. RNAseq)
    • Good knowledge of statistics
  • Evidence of excellent organisational and interpersonal skills including:
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
    • Ability to work efficiently with a strong attention to detail
    • Development of standard operating protocols
    • Ability to work flexible hours and weekends if required
    • Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing as well as orally
    • Good problem solving skills
  • Innovative, inclusive, forward looking and goal-oriented mindset
  • Flexibility and adaptability to change with a commitment to strive in a highly dynamic environment

About DJS Antibodies

At DJS Antibodies our ambition is to become the world leaders in the development of novel antibody therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Our proprietary antibody discovery technology enables us to discover first in class antibodies to the key drivers of inflammation that have, until now, been intractable to drug discovery. Our pipeline includes two programmes targeting GPCRs central to diabetic kidney disease and vascular inflammation.

Working at DJS will involve coming into a stimulating and entrepreneurial work environment with excellent exposure to industry leading experts. Being part of a small team means that you will be exposed to all aspect of R&D and the broader business. You will benefit from working with a great team, a competitive remuneration package including employee share options, and significant opportunities for career development.

How to apply

To apply for the role simply click below to send a CV and cover letter