Scientist - Immunology
2 months ago
The role:
We’re seeking a talented, organised and passionate laboratory-based Scientist to join our friendly and dynamic Immunology team at Barinthus Biotherapeutics, based in the state-of-the-art laboratory at the Harwell Campus. The role of the Immunology team is two-fold: to support the drive of preclinical immunotherapeutic candidates through the discovery pipeline and to generate biomarker data for our early phase clinical trials. We achieve this through design, validation and execution of immunology/biomarker assays, followed by analysis and dissemination of high-quality data to support decision-making and help advance candidate products. We work in both matrix and functional teams to deliver on these goals, which enables team members to develop an in-depth understanding of the product development path and how the immunology data we generate plays an integral role. We’re looking for a Scientist with a strong background in immunology (a focus on autoimmunity and tolerance would be an advantage). The role will involve designing, planning and executing immunology assays, with an emphasis on multiparameter flow cytometry and data analysis. This will be either in the context of exploratory / preclinical research or immunology analysis for clinical trials in a regulated setting following GCP principles (training in the latter can be provided).
Key responsibilities:
1. Exploratory / preclinical research:
Design, plan and conduct immunology experiments for Barinthus Bio’s exploratory projects to build data sets in support of candidate immunotherapeutic products development. Liaise with exploratory project teams to assess need for preclinical immunology data and prioritise experiments accordingly. Develop novel immunology assays as required. Write clear experimental plans and protocols. Manage timelines and execution of experiments, assign team resource as required. Analyse data, write up and report experimental data to relevant stakeholders. Support biomarker strategy and translation of biomarker assessment from preclinical to clinical development. Manage relationships with external laboratories to perform outsourced procedures and assays such as RNA-seq, TCR sequencing, as required.2. Clinical research (conducted following GCP principles):
Develop and validate novel immunology/biomarker assays as required. Where required, act as Analytical Study Manager for Phase 1/2 clinical trial analyses. This includes design and conduct of clinical sample immunology analysis and reporting of data in accordance with SOPs, Analytical Plans etc. Oversee management and logistics of clinical trial samples. Write and review SOPs to define procedures for clinical assays and relevant equipment. Design associated forms, worksheets and logbooks for assay conduct, data analysis/QC, equipment maintenance etc. Perform clinical assays following the Clinical Study Protocol, Analytical Plan and SOPs, completing worksheets and downstream data analysis/QC. Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of the Quality System within the GCP Immunology Laboratory. Generate quality documentation relating to analytical conduct (analytical plans, assay validation plans/reports, quality events/deviations, CAPAs, change controls, file notes etc.) in collaboration with the Quality team. Participate in internal/external laboratory audits and regulatory inspections, as required. Provide logistical or technical support to the Clinical Operations team in set-up of clinical trials as required, e.g., for PBMC isolation and cryopreservation at third party laboratories, biomarker studies etc.3. General:
Adhere to applicable policies and procedures relating to working in the laboratory. Contribute to the routine running of the Immunology laboratory and maintenance of equipment. Participate in department, project team and programme-level meetings as required. Write scientific manuscripts, as required. Oversee training and competency assessments of other lab staff as required.