We are seeking a highly capable and enthusiastic Senior Scientist to join the expanding Discovery & Engineering Unit at our South Cambridgeshire site (DEU III).

Teamwork is a key skill for this role - Senior Scientists are the highest-level lab-based role in FairJourney Biologics, providing lab-based leadership and collaborating with internal experts in antibody discovery & display technologies.

You will use your keen interest and expertise in Biologics drug discovery to shape and deliver projects involving identification, optimisation and screening of novel antibody-based therapeutics, applying and refining our (phage and mammalian) display technologies and engineering methods. This will be an onsite and predominantly lab-based role, reporting to a team leader. Your responsibilities will include the independent design and execution of experiments, data analysis and interpretation and communication of the findings to the team and clients.

Your responsibilities will include providing technical training to more junior team members and this role is expected to include line management responsibilities. A positive and solution focused mindset is required to deliver on a wide range of innovative and intellectually challenging projects.

Key responsibilities
-Lead antibody discovery programs using phage and/or mammalian display, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.
-Manage and strengthen client and internal stakeholder relationships to drive project success.
-Apply your knowledge of antibody drug discovery to shape and guide project decisions in collaboration with team leaders and clients.
Initiate and lead novel research directions and strategic initiatives to advance business objectives.
-Work with the Technology Unit to evaluate and integrate novel platforms to the drug discovery process. As a line manager, support individuals to deliver project work and develop professionally.
-Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data to inform decision-making.
-Present findings and progress updates to senior management, partners, and at scientific conferences.

Your Profile
-PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Antibody Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology, or a related field.
-6+ years of hands-on experience in antibody drug discovery, preferably within industry, with a demonstrable understanding of therapeutic antibody formats, structures and sequences.
-Practical experience in antibody display technologies (e.g. phage/mammalian display)
-Experience in antibody display library construction would be an advantage.
-In-depth understanding and practical research experience of molecular biology and cellular biology techniques, including DNA cloning and mammalian cell culture.
-Experience of antibody isolation and engineering for optimisation.
-Hands-on experience with flow cytometry & FACS.
-Demonstrable experience in in vitro cell-based assays (e.g. reporter,TDCC).
-Experience in biochemical assays, (e.g. ELISA, SPR).
-Excellent data analysis, interpretation and problem-solving skills.
-Influencing skills to shape project decisions and direction.
-Ability to plan time and prioritise work.
-Maintain clear written records in a timely manner.
-The ability to present and communicate effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
-Prior experience in project and line management is desirable.

Why Join IONTAS/FairJourney Biologics?

Be Part of a Global Team
By being part of the FairJourney Biologics family, you will be collaborating with teams in Porto, Cambridge, and San Francisco. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists, share insights across sites, and contribute to groundbreaking antibody discovery projects.

Innovating the Future of Therapeutic Antibodies
IONTAS was co-founded in 2012 by John McCafferty, a pioneer of antibody phage display technology, which contributed to the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. By integrating phage and mammalian display expertise, we deliver high-affinity, developable antibodies that are shaping the future of drug discovery.

Career Development & Growth
As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, there is a growing reliance on specialized CROs to drive innovation in antibody discovery. With an increasing number of biotech and pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their research, FairJourney Biologics is well positioned for long-term growth and expanding opportunities.

-Be part of a dynamic, motivated team at our expanding Cambridge site.
-Contribute to projects that impact partners, patients, and the broader scientific community.

Competitive Benefits
-Attractive salary & benefits package, including pension and life insurance.
-Generous parental leave policies
-Unity Campus is a growing site with a range of perks, including networking events with other local companies, seminars, and an on-site gym with personal training, yoga, and wellness programs.

A Culture That Empowers
We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. At FairJourney Biologics, your ideas and contributions matter – helping us transform antibody discovery and deliver next-generation therapeutics.