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Principal Scientist, Inflammation Research

Principal Scientist, Inflammation Research

Reference: BBBH29736
Date posted: 20/10/2026
Job details
Specialism
Technical Operations
Expertise
Quality Control
Location
Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
Job type
Contract
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Description

Ready to lead breakthrough immunology research and shape the next generation of biologic therapies for autoimmune diseases?

R&D Partners is seeking an experienced immunologist to lead a talented team of scientists in the development of novel biologic therapies for autoimmune diseases. This role involves conducting and overseeing in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to support lead and early discovery programs in immunology. The successful candidate will deliver rigorous data packages for progression to development and collaborate across functions to drive innovative science that impacts patients’ lives.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.

Responsibilities:

  • Team Leadership: Mentor a lab-based scientific team, advancing their projects and careers.
  • Scientific Expertise: Serve as a thought leader within the Research organization, guiding interdisciplinary projects with experts in immunology, protein engineering, chemistry, translational medicine, biomarkers, and clinical development.
  • Risk Mitigation: Identify project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies while communicating with project teams and leadership.

Innovation:

  • Design and implement rigorous in vitro assays to support therapeutic antibody development in autoimmune disease.
  • Plan and coordinate in vivo models for DMPK and efficacy with internal teams and contract research organizations.
  • Develop endpoint analyses, including ex vivo profiling, to understand drug mechanisms of action.
  • Propose creative and rigorous research to discover, validate, and understand targets.
  • External Engagement: Establish an external presence through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaborations.

Strategic Contributions:

  • Contribute expertise to multi-disciplinary due diligence teams evaluating partnerships and acquisitions.
  • Support research reports, INDs, and patent filings.

Key Skills and Requirements:

Education & Experience:

  • PhD with 5+ years of experience in immunology, drug discovery, target identification, and technology development. Industry experience highly preferred.
  • Scientific Impact: Strong track record of contributions to the field, including first- or senior-author publications and conference presentations.

Technical Expertise:

  • Deep knowledge of basic immunology and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
  • Broad technical skillset in cutting-edge methods and models of immunology (in vitro and in vivo).
  • Leadership: Proven success in leading research teams to make productive, creative, and data-driven decisions.
  • Collaboration: Team-centric mindset with demonstrated managerial excellence and ability to motivate skilled team members from diverse backgrounds.
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

For more information, please contact Grant Van Schalkwyk.

If you are interested in applying to this exciting opportunity, then please click ‘Apply’ or to speak to one of our specialists visit the ‘Contact Us’ page.

R&D Partners is a leading life sciences recruiter focused on finding exceptional people and matching them with the finest positions across the globe. R&D Partners is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

By submitting this application, you confirm that you’ve read and understood our privacy policy, which informs you how we process and safeguard your data – https://www.r-dpartners.com/privacy-policy/

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Register your interest

If you can’t find your ideal role with us right now, we’d still love to hear from you! Send us your CV and we’ll contact you if a suitable role becomes available.

Register interest

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