Principal Scientist - Inflammation Research

PE Global is recruiting on behalf of a leading global biopharmaceutical organisation for an experienced Principal Scientist – Inflammation Research to join its research team in Oxford on a 12-month contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established immunology scientist with strong scientific leadership and team management experience to contribute to the discovery and development of novel biologic therapies for autoimmune diseases.

In this role, you will lead and mentor a talented team of scientists while overseeing in vitro and in vivo pharmacology research across early discovery and lead optimisation programmes.

• Job Title: Principal Scientist – Inflammation Research
• Location: Oxford, UK
• Contract Length: 12 months
• Pay Rate: £54.05 per hour PAYE

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a laboratory-based team of scientists, supporting their research projects, technical development and career progression.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership, acting as a subject matter expert and thought leader within the wider research organisation.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing research environment that encourages scientific curiosity, innovation and data-driven decision-making.
• Work cross-functionally with specialists in immunology, protein engineering, chemistry, translational medicine, biomarkers and clinical development to deliver research objectives.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies and communicate progress, challenges and recommendations to project teams and senior stakeholders.

Research, Innovation and Drug Discovery

• Lead and oversee rigorous in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies supporting early-stage immunology discovery and lead programmes.
• Design and implement robust in vitro assays, informed by critical evaluation of scientific literature, to support the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies for autoimmune diseases.
• Collaborate with internal teams and contract research organisations (CROs) to plan and coordinate in vivo models for drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and efficacy assessment.
• Develop appropriate study endpoints and ex vivo profiling strategies to investigate mechanisms of action and strengthen understanding of therapeutic targets.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in Immunology or a relevant life sciences discipline, with at least five years of relevant experience in immunology, drug discovery, target identification or technology development.
• Previous experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of fundamental immunology, inflammatory pathways and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
• Broad technical expertise in contemporary immunology methods and models, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo approaches.
• Demonstrable experience designing, overseeing and interpreting pharmacology studies to support drug discovery and preclinical research programmes.
• A strong scientific track record, including first-author or senior-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conference presentations.
• Proven experience leading research teams and driving productive, innovative and evidence-based scientific decisions.
• Demonstrated people management and mentoring capabilities, with the ability to motivate, develop and support scientists from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence scientific discussions across multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive, strategic and scientifically curious mindset, with the ability to identify new opportunities and navigate complex research challenges.

****Please note, PE Global cannot offer sponsorship for this role and applicants should have full right to work in the UK to cover the duration of the contract***

Apply today through PE Global to be considered for this opportunity.