Research Scientist

Exogene Ltd.; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm in Oxford seeks a dynamic research scientist to drive TCR engineering processes. Responsibilities include validating TCRs, managing tissue cultures, and conducting protein science operations. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field and has 1-2 years of lab experience. Competitive salary with a generous leave policy and a collaborative work environment is offered.

Benefits

Market-competitive salary

25 days holiday

Flexible work from home options

Access to a private lab

Qualifications

• PhD with 1-2 years lab experience required.
• Knowledge of cloning and PCR preferred.
• Experience in flow cytometry and ELISA desired.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to validation of TCRs.
• Design and characterize TCRs.
• Conduct protein science operations.
• Manage tissue culture assignments.

Skills

Molecular biology protocols

Protein expression

Purification

Biophysical characterization

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Technical troubleshooting

Education

PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or similar

Job description

About Exogene

At Exogene, we’re reimagining what’s possible in cancer immunotherapy. Our mission is to engineer T-cell receptor therapies that can precisely and powerfully target advanced solid tumours.

To do this, we’ve built a proprietary lab-in-the-loop platform that merges generative AI, biophysical modelling, and high-throughput TCR screening to rapidly design, test, and optimise TCRs with exceptional affinity and specificity. This convergence of computation and wet-lab experimentation allows us to go from concept to candidate molecules in record time.

We’re developing TCR-based trispecific T cell engagers (TCR-TriTCEs)—a new therapeutic modality designed to overcome the unique challenges of the solid tumour microenvironment. This work spans multiple disciplines, from protein engineering and AI-driven design to in vivo validation and translational development.

We are looking for a dynamic research scientist who will help drive the TCR engineering processes and development. The successful candidate will contribute to in vivo and in vitro validation of TCEs. You’ll get involved in purifying recombinant TCRs to perform high-throughput TCR display methods and deep sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to in vivo and in vitro validation of TCEs.
• Collaboratively design and characterise TCRs for proprietary and partnered disease targets.
• Conduct a suite of protein science operations, including expression, purification, and biophysical analysis.
• Tackle molecular biology duties: cloning, mutagenesis, DNA isolation, and preparing libraries for deep sequencing.
• Manage tissue culture assignments, spanning from media prep and cell line care to cryopreservation.
• Join forces with founders, R&D, academia, and industrial stakeholders to fulfil ambitious R&D objectives.
• Draft, revise, and oversee repertoire of lab protocols.
• Offer essential lab support and uphold facility upkeep.

Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or an alike field, paired with at least 1-2 years of relevant lab experience is required.
• Knowledge of molecular biology protocols, with an emphasis on cloning and PCR is preferred.
• A background in molecular biology, protein expression, purification and biophysical characterisation is preferred.
• Experience in cell and immunological assays (flow cytometry, ELISA etc.) is desired.
• Experience with in vivo and in vitro validation of TCEs (T-cell engagers) in some or all aspects of investigational new drug (IND) approval is desired.
• Experience TCR engineering is desired.
• SOP documentation experience is desired.
• The highest standards in lab precision, record maintenance, and documentation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Attributes

• Self-starter with sound analytical skills, who values scientific integrity and novelty.
• Collaborative spirit within the lab, open to both giving and receiving actionable feedback.
• Exceptional at diagnosing and overcoming unforeseen technical challenges.
• Adept at juggling and prioritising multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Versatile and efficient within an interdisciplinary, fast-paced team setup.

What We Offer

• Market-competitive salary and stock option package.
• A generous leave policy: 25 days holiday, public holidays, plus a day off for your birthday!
• Access to fully equipped private lab.
• Flexibility to work from home as project demands allow.
• A supportive, cross-disciplinary team fostering a highly collaborative work environment.

How to apply

Launch your journey with Exogene by submitting your CV and a brief cover letter (maximum 400 words) to m.hasan at exogene.co.uk