Scientific Leader - Discovery Immunology
Location: UK (onsite or hybrid)
Start: Q4 2025
About the company
Our client is a stealth mode, well-funded biotechnology company developing first-in-class therapies for autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical need. Backed by leading life sciences investors and guided by experienced drug-makers, immunologists, and engineers, they are advancing multiple discovery-stage programmes rapidly towards development candidate nomination.
Operating with a lean, high-impact model, the company partners with world-class CROs and academic groups to access the best capabilities globally. Without the constraints of legacy infrastructure, they move quickly and decisively, focusing resources on the most critical experiments and ensuring high-quality, decision-enabling data.
They foster a culture where talented scientists operate with autonomy, ideas are respectfully challenged, and hierarchy takes a back seat to great science. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment and want to see your work translated towards the clinic, this is an exceptional opportunity.
The role
We are seeking a Scientific Leader - Discovery Immunology to lead the in vitro and in vivo strategy and execution for the pipeline. This position is central to programme success, working closely with senior leadership to define experimental strategy, manage key partnerships, and deliver multiple projects to candidate nomination. The ideal candidate will combine strategic leadership with a willingness to “roll up their sleeves” — interrogating data, providing clear recommendations, and getting hands-on when needed.
Key responsibilities
* Lead discovery strategy for multiple therapeutic programmes through to candidate nomination
* Design and oversee in vitro and in vivo study plans, ensuring scientific rigour and feasibility
* Select, manage, and direct CROs and other external partners
* Analyse and interpret primary data, drawing clear, evidence-based conclusions
* Present recommendations to leadership and project teams
* Manage budgets, risk, and timelines to deliver high-quality science efficiently
What you bring
* PhD and 7+ years’ industry experience in biopharma drug discovery
* Expertise in experimental immunology, ideally with a focus on autoimmunity
* Proven track record of delivering novel candidate therapeutics
* Ability to operate in senior matrix teams and translate science into strategy
* Proactive, collaborative mindset with strong critical thinking skills
* Comfortable getting involved in hands-on work where needed
* Experience managing external partners in a virtual or hybrid setting
Why join?
* Make a visible, high-impact contribution to a well-funded, mission-driven biotech
* Influence programme direction and strategy from early discovery through to candidate nomination
* Collaborative, non-bureaucratic culture valuing quality science and shared success
* Work with a highly experienced, global team in an agile, fast-moving environment
Right to work in the UK required.
Please get in touch with Max Eldridge via max@hlxlifesciences.com for more details with your CV.