AbbVie
Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics
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Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics
Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience—and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit www.abbvie.co.uk. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
Job Description
Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom Type: Full-time (onsite)
At DJS-AbbVie, we are advancing novel therapeutics and translating immunological science into innovative R&D programmes with the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients. As a UK-based discovery hub within AbbVie Immunology, we combine the focus and agility of a specialist team with the resources and ambition of a global pharmaceutical company.
We are now entering an exciting phase of team growth and scientific progression in Oxford. To support this next stage, we are seeking an experienced and highly capable drug hunter to join us as Principal Research Scientist I within our Novel Therapeutics – Cellular Depletion Team.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to work that is scientifically ambitious, strategically important, and directly connected to patient impact. You will help shape programmes that aim to deplete pathogenic cells and enable long-term disease modification, while working in an environment that values scientific ownership, deep expertise, and collaborative problem-solving.
Why This Role?
Autonomy
In this role, you will have significant scope to:
- Shape scientific strategy, influence portfolio direction, and act as molecule lead on selected programmes where appropriate.
- Work closely with the team leader and cross-functional partners to define approaches, assess risk, and guide experimental plans.
- Be confident taking ownership of complex scientific challenges while thriving in a supportive environment with freedom to lead with rigour and initiative.
Mastery
This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to:
- Deepen and apply expertise in drug discovery and immunology, focusing on cellular depletion via any available modalities.
- Tackle challenging discovery questions and design complex protein engineering, contributing original ideas and championing innovative methods.
- Enhance the scientific capability within the team by mentoring colleagues, sharing knowledge, and fostering a strong drug discovery mindset.
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Purpose
Our work is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for patients with serious and challenging diseases. In this role, you will:
- Help advance novel therapeutics with the potential to achieve durable disease improvement, beyond symptomatic treatment.
- Contribute to programme progression from concept to candidate nomination, influencing translational strategy and shaping the future of our discovery portfolio.
Successful Applicant’s Key Responsibilities
- Act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing technical expertise and cross-functional leadership as teams form around assets.
- Develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with AbbVie’s immunology strategy, in partnership with the team leader.
- Serve as a key lab-focused scientist at the DJS-AbbVie Oxford site, and ultimately establish yourself as a recognised scientific expert within the wider AbbVie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action.
- Collaborate with colleagues across:
- Immunology discovery research
- Development sciences
- Clinical development
- Precision medicine
- Ensure high-quality project planning via sound experimental design, early risk assessment, and robust contingency planning.
- Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends, translating insights into functional objectives.
- Apply imagination and innovation to:
- Create and implement new or improved approaches
- Develop breakthrough ideas
- Proactively share knowledge to build scientific capability and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
- Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development.
- Present scientific concepts and results to:
- Scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Senior stakeholders and external partners
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Qualifications
Applicant’s Essential Attributes
- Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programs, with at least one proven example of a cell depletion modality.
- Education: BS, MS, or PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific area.
- Proven ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies.
- Creative and practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies.
- Recognised as an expert in your discipline, both internally and ideally externally.
- Strong portfolio of scientific publications, presentations, regulatory submissions, and/or patents.
- Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences.
Applicant’s Desired Attributes
- Recognised expertise in cellular therapies (e.g., CAR-T, CAR-NK, CAR-Treg), OR
- Recognised expertise in complex antibody engineering, including bispecific antibodies and novel formats.
- Strong background in translational biology.
About DJS-AbbVie
DJS-AbbVie is part of AbbVie Immunology and is focused on advancing novel therapeutics to address serious and challenging diseases. Our work is driven by scientific excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients.
Working at DJS-AbbVie offers the opportunity to:
- Join a dynamic and ambitious team.
- Face a broad range of scientific challenges.
- Collaborate with experts across the wider organisation.
- Help shape the future of our discovery portfolio.
Additional Information
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
For more about equal employment opportunity in the US & Puerto Rico, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html.
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here.
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