Head of Pipeline Biology in Oxfordshire
Blackfield Associates is looking for an Head of Pipeline Biology in Oxfordshire
Job description
We are seeking an innovative and hands-on scientific leader to serve as Head of Pipeline Biology, responsible for advancing the biological development of our client's pioneering bispecific TCR therapeutics targeting AML and solid tumours. This is a critical leadership role in progressing first-in-class, first-in-human molecules to the clinic.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the preclinical biology group, overseeing in vitro and in vivo testing of bispecific TCR molecules.
- Design and implement assays to assess binding specificity, T cell activation, and T cell-mediated killing.
- Develop testing strategies to evaluate efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
- Collaborate with Protein Engineering to optimise candidate molecules.
Regulatory & Translational Development
- Drive the generation of data packages to support regulatory submissions (MHRA, FDA, EMA).
- Contribute to Clinical Trial Authorisation (CTA) and IND/NDA applications.
- Engage with regulatory bodies and external experts to ensure alignment with global standards.
Team & Operational Leadership
- Manage and mentor a growing team of cell biologists (initially 3–4 scientists).
- Oversee budgets, timelines, and reporting for biological testing activities.
- Present findings to the Senior Leadership Team and external stakeholders.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.
Experience & Qualifications
Background
- PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline.
- At least 5 years of R&D experience within biotechnology or pharmaceutical settings, ideally in TCR therapeutics, bispecifics, or immuno-oncology.
- Demonstrable hands-on experience in evaluating the safety and efficacy of high-affinity soluble TCR molecules.
- Proven track record in non-clinical development and regulatory interactions.
- Experience contributing to successful regulatory submissions and clinical trial initiation.
Technical Expertise
- In-depth understanding of T-cell biology, cellular assays, and molecular techniques, including target binding, T-cell activation, and cytotoxicity assays both in vitro and in vivo.
- Proficiency in lentiviral transduction, molecular cloning, and engineering of isogenic cell lines.
- Experience in maintaining diverse cell systems, including human organoids, and primary human cells.
- Skilled in multi-colour flow cytometry, EliSpot, luminometry, and fluorescence-based assays.
Leadership & Communication
- Demonstrated leadership in developing and implementing scientific strategies.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific data to senior leadership and external audiences.
- Strong record of cross-functional collaboration and evidence-based decision-making.
- Experience managing budgets, project timelines, and preparing technical reports.
- Ability to represent an organisation’s work through publications and scientific presentations.
- Familiarity with the requirements for preparing preclinical data packages for CTA (MHRA) and NDA (FDA/EMA) submissions.
Extra information
- Status
- Open
- Education Level
- Secondary School
- Location
- Oxfordshire
- Type of Contract
- Part-time jobs
- Published at
- 17-11-2025
- Full UK/EU driving license preferred
- No
- Car Preferred
- No
- Must be eligible to work in the EU
- No
- Cover Letter Required
- No
- Languages
- English
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