Research Associate Scientist II

At DJS-AbbVie, we are committed to advancing new therapeutics and translating novel immunological science into innovative R&D programs. As a UK-based R&D hub within AbbVie Immunology, we combine the agility, scientific focus and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialist discovery team with the scale, resources and ambition of a global pharmaceutical company.
A critical part of achieving our vision is working with fantastic people, and as such we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Associate Scientist II to join our Immunobiology team, whose goal is to deliver new insights into the biology and mechanisms of immunological disease, and valid targets for therapeutic intervention. For this role, candidates should be excited about working in a small, dynamic team; always keen to get involved with all aspects of immunobiology and drug discovery research; be a team player. This position represents an excellent opportunity for someone looking to solidify their career within an industry laboratory research environment working on innovative projects whilst developing a variety of new skills.
The initial focus of a successful candidate will be to develop and use assays, including complex in vitro models, to answer focussed biological questions. You will need to work independently on primary cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, imaging, and various assay techniques, with appropriate guidance from senior team members.
The successful applicant will be a practical person who is organised, detail-oriented and efficient, and who enjoys working on experimental design and interpretation, and is excited about understanding novel biology. Some previous experience in basic immunological techniques is required.
At DJS we want to foster innovative scientists performing cutting edge science and as such a successful applicant will have numerous opportunities to grow. You will have the space to develop as an increasingly independent experimentalist, and get exposure to scientists from a range of background including bioinformaticians, clinical scientists, pathologists and drug discovery experts including with colleagues in our on-site Novel Therapeutics group in Oxford. You will be expected to work closely with Abbvie R&D colleagues, gaining experience in cross-border collaboration, and will have the opportunity to travel to AbbVie’s US research sites and network with scientists across different disease areas and disciplines.
Successful applicant's key responsibilities
Bringing energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the company
Maintenance of cell cultures including advanced primary cells.
Techniques such as flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and ELISA
Troubleshooting and execution of co-cultures and complex in vitro model systems
Work as a key member of the Oxford immunobiology team but collaborating and working on whatever project is necessary to advance our therapeutic programs.
Autonomously performing critical laboratory experiments and interpreting the data to drive the next series of experiments you will run and strategic decisions within you team.
Keeping up to date with developments in the literature in relation to technical aspects of drug discovery technologies
Day-to-day laboratory management as part of the team e.g. maintaining a safe and clean working laboratory environment, re-ordering laboratory consumables
Establishing and maintaining quality sample archives
Gathering, analysing and presenting data from a variety of sources to the Oxford team as well as to US-based colleagues.
Critical and impartial review of self and peer generated laboratory data
Maintenance of laboratory experimental records
Bsc in a relevant discipline plus 2 years of industry experience, which may include placement years or internships, or an Msc degree.
Enthusiasm for and commitment to drug discovery and drug development research
Proven recent experience in
Mammalian cell culture
Cell biology techniques (such as flow cytometry; ELISA; fluorescence microscopy)
Evidence of excellent organizational and interpersonal skis including
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to work efficiently with strong attention to detail
Ability to build effective working relationships
Laboratory method development
Ability to work flexible hours when required
Proven written and oral communicative ability
Problem-solving skills
Strong IT skills
Desirable skills
Experience in running functional in vitro or ex vivo biological assays on primary cells.
Good knowledge of statistics

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid