Our Organization
IONTAS is part of the FairJourney Biologics family, which operates across three global sites (Porto, Portugal; Cambridge, UK; and San Francisco, USA). FairJourney Biologics is dedicated to discovering high-quality biologics drug candidates for our partners, providing solutions to their technical challenges, and helping them bring life-changing medicines to patients. Our antibody discovery and engineering services have benefitted over 200 biotech and pharma partners worldwide. With more than 1,000 completed projects utilising a range of molecular formats and 20 clinical-stage molecules, we are internationally recognized for tackling novel and challenging discovery programs. Our expertise in Phage and Mammalian Display platforms enables us to push the boundaries of antibody discovery, driving innovation for next-generation therapeutics.
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Company language: English
The Role
We are seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Scientist to join the expanding Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III). Teamwork is a key skill for this role - Scientists are lab-based staff with significant experience in antibody discovery & engineering and assay development, providing lab-based leadership and collaborating with internal experts in antibody discovery & display technologies. You will use your keen interest and expertise in Biologics drug discovery to shape and deliver projects involving identification, optimisation, and screening of novel antibody-based therapeutics, applying and refining our (phage and mammalian) display technologies and engineering methods. This will be an onsite and predominantly lab-based role, reporting to a team leader. Your responsibilities will include the independent design and execution of experiments, data analysis, interpretation, and communication of the findings to the team and clients. Your responsibilities will include providing technical training to junior team members and is expected to include line management responsibilities. This role will suit an experienced scientist seeking to gain or expand their line management experience. A positive and solution-focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative and intellectually challenging projects.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead aspects of antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
* Manage and strengthen client and internal stakeholder relationships to drive project success.
* Apply your knowledge of antibody drug discovery to shape and guide project decisions in collaboration with team leaders and clients.
* Contribute to novel research directions and strategic initiatives to advance business objectives.
* Work with the Technology Unit to evaluate and integrate novel platforms to the drug discovery process.
* Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
* Present findings and progress updates to senior management, partners, and at scientific conferences.
Your Profile
* PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Antibody Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology or a related field.
* A minimum of 3 years post-Ph.D. hands-on experience in antibody drug discovery, preferably in an industry setting, with a demonstrable understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures, and sequences.
* Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display).
* Experience in antibody display library construction would be an advantage.
* In-depth understanding and practical research experience of molecular biology and cellular biology techniques, including DNA cloning and mammalian cell culture.
* Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.
* Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
* Experience in biochemical assays (e.g. ELISA, SPR).
* Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
* Influencing skills to shape project decisions and direction.
* Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
* Maintain clear written records in a timely manner.
* The ability to present and communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to build strong collaborative working relationships.
* Prior experience in project and line management is desirable but not required.
We Offer
Be Part of a Global Team
By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, and San Francisco. You will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights across sites and contribute to ground breaking antibody discovery projects.
Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies
IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and became a part of the FairJourney Biologics family in 2020. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.
Career Development & Growth
As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.
* Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
* Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients, and the broader scientific community.
Competitive Benefits
* Attractive salary & benefits package, including pension and life insurance.
* Generous parental leave policies
* Located on Unity Campus, a growing science park offering good transport links, an on-site gym with personal training, a café, and a vibrant social community.
A Culture That Empowers
We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.
If you're ready to take the next step in your career path, we'd love to hear from you
Does this sound like you?
Come and build your career with us
Applications must be submitted directly through our website before October 8th
Job Type: Full-time