Principal Research Scientist

Job Description

Role Focus: Novel Therapeutics Discovery – Functional Reprogramming Team Lead

Location: Oxford, UK

At DJS‑Abb Vie, we are committed to advancing new therapeutics and translating novel immunological science into innovative R&D programmes. As a UK‑based R&D hub within Abb Vie 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.

Having already advanced a number of drug candidates, we are now entering an exciting phase of portfolio progression and growth in Oxford. As such we are seeking an experienced and highly capable drug hunter to join our team as Principal Research Scientist I. Reporting to the Head of Novel Therapeutics the successful candidate will lead a team of 3+ drug discovery scientists, to deliver key translational pharmacodynamic data packages and drug candidates to drive programs from conception to candidate nomination.

The successful candidate will provide both people leadership and strategic scientific direction, working across a portfolio of assets and collaborating closely with key stakeholders across immunology discovery research and beyond. They must have strong drug discovery experience, excellent people leadership skills, and a passion for turning novel immunology into impactful programmes.

In this role, you will be expected to lead a team of multi‑disciplinary scientists to deliver a pipeline of novel therapeutics to drive functional reprogramming of inflammatory cells. You will be expected to mentor and develop colleagues from a range of scientific backgrounds and foster a strong drug discovery mindset across the team. You will also act as a molecule lead on pipeline programmes, helping to shape cross‑functional strategy and ensuring high‑quality scientific execution.

Over time, you will contribute to building a coherent portfolio of molecules with related mechanisms of action and maximising cross‑program learnings.

We are looking for a drug hunter who is highly expert in the area of therapeutics discovery, with a strong working knowledge of immunology and a proven ability to operate effectively in a drug discovery environment. You will be comfortable taking ownership of complex scientific challenges, assessing emerging trends, and identifying innovative approaches that support functional and portfolio goals.

• Develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with Abb Vie’s overall immunology strategy.
• Lead and develop a team of 3+ direct reports, ranging from entry level to senior scientist level.
• Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
• Act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing cross‑functional leadership as teams form around assets.
• Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, clinical development, development sciences and precision medicine.
• Serve as a leading scientist at the DJS‑Abb Vie Oxford site, and act as a recognised scientific expert within the wider Abb Vie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action.
• Proactively share knowledge, mentor colleagues and support the development of functional capability.
• Ensure high‑quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning.
• Identify and evaluate emerging scientific trends and translate relevant insights into functional objectives.
• Apply imagination and innovation to create and implement new or improved approaches and breakthrough ideas.
• Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non‑scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.

• Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programs.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and development strategies.
• Creative and practical problem‑solving skills, with the ability to champion new technologies.
• Recognised as an expert in your discipline, internally and ideally externally.
• Strong publication, presentation, regulatory and/or patent record.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting at leading scientific conferences.

BS/MS or PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area.

Abb Vie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.