About the job
Our client is a pioneering biotech dedicated to unlocking extracellular biology to develop transformative therapies in fibrosis and oncology. We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Scientist to drive target validation within our discovery pipeline.
In this role, you will apply advanced molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence approaches to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets, generating data that underpins discovery decisions and de-risks portfolio progression.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced industry scientist to contribute high-impact science across multiple programs in a dynamic biotech environment.
Your profile
Experience:
* PhD (or equivalent experience) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pathology, or related discipline.
* 8-10 years’ experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of applying molecular, histological, and immunofluorescence approaches to target validation.
* Direct experience working within drug discovery pipelines, with an understanding of how validation and biomarker data inform portfolio decision-making.
* Working knowledge and practical experience with a range of digital pathology platforms (e.g. HALO/Visiopharm/Vectra 3).
* A strong understanding of relevant regulations and ethical guidelines related to biospecimen research, including HTA and GDPR requirements.
Skills:
* Execution: anticipates challenges, delivers reproducible high-quality data and manages workstreams proactively with accountability.
* Collaboration & Communication: works across stakeholders and communicates complex science with clarity and impact.
* Continuous learning: keeps up-to-date with advances in molecular and tissue technologies to improve platforms and workflows.
* Desirable: Knowledge of oncology, tissue fibrosis and immune microenvironment pathology.
Key Responsibilities:
Target Validation & Assay Development
* Design and execute experimental strategies to confirm and characterise therapeutic targets.
* Apply molecular biology, histology, and immunofluorescence techniques (e.g. IHC, IF, confocal microscopy, ISH, qPCR, western blotting) to assess target expression, localisation, and regulation in disease-relevant models and human tissues.
* Introduce advanced technologies (such as multiplex IF, spatial transcriptomics, or digital pathology) to expand validation capabilities and enhance platform impact.
Biomarker Discovery & Translation
* Adapt and qualify discovery assays for clinical application (e.g. IHC/IF assays for patient stratification, pharmacodynamic readouts, and target engagement).
* Deliver biomarker strategies that strengthen our bioplatforms as translational tools.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Provide expert input into discovery programs by shaping validation strategies and collaborating with biology, data science, programme leads, and external partners to generate and integrate molecular and tissue-based data.
* Communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, enabling alignment across internal teams, senior stakeholders, and collaborators.
Innovation & Quality
* Embed best practices for data integrity and reproducibility, ensuring assays and outputs are robust, well-documented, and aligned with our quality standards for both internal research and external partnerships.
Why us?
You’ll be part of a mission-driven biotech pioneering extracellular biology to develop transformative therapies in fibrosis and oncology. This role offers the opportunity to translate cutting-edge science into clinically relevant tools, shaping discovery programs and influencing portfolio direction. You’ll benefit from state-of-the-art offices and laboratories at The Westworks, White City, alongside a competitive package including private medical insurance, pension, bonus, and more.
Join us and contribute to a mission that combines scientific excellence with the drive to bring new medicines to patients who need them most.
About Us
We are a growing biotech company based in London. We are dedicated to developing better therapies for advanced fibrosis and solid tumours by leveraging our pioneering extracellular (ECM) platform. Our platform allows the synthesis of realistic in vitro 3D models that serve as tools to transform our ability to identify new targets and biomarkers, determine mechanisms of action and more accurately predict the efficacy of therapeutic candidates.
Join us today in our mission to create a healthier future for patients with life-threatening diseases such as fibrosis and cancer.
If this sounds like you, you'll fit right in.
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