Principal Research Scientist , Novel Therapeutics

About Abb Vie

Abb Vie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience, and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about Abb Vie, please visit us at  Follow @abbvie on Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and You Tube.

Title: Principal Research Scientist I, Novel Therapeutics

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-time (onsite)

The role is part of DJS-Abb Vie, a discovery hub within Abb Vie Immunology that focuses on novel therapeutics and translating immunological science into innovative R&D programmes. We are seeking an experienced drug hunter to join our Novel Therapeutics – Cellular Depletion Team.

You will have significant scope to shape scientific strategy, influence portfolio direction, and act as molecule lead on selected programmes. You will work closely with the team leader and cross‑functional partners to define approaches, assess risk, and guide experimental plans. We are looking for someone who is confident taking ownership of complex scientific challenges and who thrives when given the freedom to lead with rigor and initiative.

This role is ideal for a scientist who wants to deepen and apply expertise in drug discovery and immunology focusing on cellular depletion via any available modalities. You will tackle challenging discovery questions and complex protein designs, contribute original ideas and champion innovative methods, and help develop a strong drug discovery mindset across the function.

Our work is driven by the goal of delivering better outcomes for patients with serious and challenging diseases. In this role, you will help advance novel therapeutics with the potential to achieve durable disease improvement beyond symptomatic treatment. Your contributions will support programme progression from concept to candidate nomination, influence translational strategy, and shape the future of our discovery portfolio.

• When appropriate, act as molecule lead on pipeline programmes, providing technical expertise and cross‑functional leadership as teams form around assets.
• Develop and deliver drug discovery strategy in alignment with Abb Vie’s overall immunology strategy.
• Serve as a key lab‑focused scientist at the DJS-Abb Vie Oxford site and ultimately act as a recognised scientific expert within the wider Abb Vie R&D organisation in your specialist mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with colleagues across immunology discovery research, development sciences, clinical development, and precision medicine.
• 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.
• Proactively share knowledge to build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset.
• Mentor junior colleagues and support their scientific development.
• Present scientific concepts and results to scientific and non‑scientific audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners.

• Demonstrated experience across multiple drug discovery programmes with at least one proven example of a cell depletion modality.
• Education – BS, MS, PhD, or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific area.
• 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…