Have you developed deep expertise in immunology and advanced in vitro cell biology — and do you want to shape scientific strategy while leading multidisciplinary Discovery teams?

Do you want to apply your lab‑based expertise and scientific leadership to drive innovative assay development and immuno‑oncology research within a global research organisation?

We are hiring!

Our Research Leaders and Senior Research Leaders within our Biotherapeutics Drug Discovery teams at Portishead play a pivotal part in the development and implementation of innovative scientific strategy. These are senior positions, with requirements to perform within the lab and to provide scientific leadership to multidisciplined teams within Discovery. 

What You’ll Be Doing:

A strong focus on innovation, helping to define strategy and leading new assay/model/platform development at the site and across Discovery.
Develop complex in vitro cell biology capabilities with strong experience in aspects of immune-related assays supporting immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation (inc. neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
Train and develop users in core techniques such as flow cytometry, Incucyte, ELISpot, Luminex, high content imaging, complex primary cell culture, molecular biology, ‘omics and standard biochemical techniques. 
Guide and / or direct immunology disease models (autoimmune, inflammation and infection) along with ex vivo endpoint analysis.
Lead Molecular biology/Genetic manipulation capabilities – support immunology work carried out at the site and across Discovery/other areas of the business.
Co-ordinate with BD and CS and discovery wide operational teams to bring work into Discovery, supporting the design of complex programs of work which meet client’s needs.
Project leadership of FTE / FFS or IDD client projects driving project direction and strategy. 
Contribute to scientific leadership at the site / cross site, mentoring and coaching the science line to deliver on strategic goals.

Demonstrate effective project leadership within a key area, able to oversee project teams comprising of multiple disciplines and grades.
Use positive influencing and role modelling abilities to drive assigned projects forward to achieve goals as agreed with clients. 
Build strong working relationship with external clients to create project plans that effectively showcase our scientific capability within time and budget constraints. 
Act as the main point of contact for client representatives, presenting data and keeping them up to date with progress. 
Create work schedules and coordinate work plans to ensure tasks are delegated appropriately and are skill appropriate for project team members. 
Identify any technical and / or other issues within projects, using strong problem-solving skills to come up with and apply an appropriate resolution.

Profile and Requirements

PhD within a relevant scientific discipline.
MSc within a relevant scientific discipline with significant time in industry.  
Extensive publications list. 
Significant lab-based experience within the drug discovery sector. 
Proven project leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, finances, and creation of project plans with track record in achieving scientific milestones consistently. 
Strong influencing and people skills, able to foster a positive working environment that drives scientific innovation and aligns to the overall Discovery strategy. 
Passionate about working within the drug discovery sector, able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the industry. 
Proven ability to develop and train junior team members and work with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to concisely and accurately present own results and those of others via slide decks, teleconference, videoconference, written report or face-to-face as appropriate.

Desirable: 
Previous experience from another CRO or biotech.

Significant scientific leadership experience, managing multiple integrated projects or programmes across different sites and divisions 
Demonstrates high-quality decision making which impacts positively on project deliverables. 

Maintains a strong awareness of the relevant scientific literature and contemporary laboratory practices, sharing knowledge widely.

What We Offer You:

Charles River offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous company pension scheme, private healthcare, dental coverage, performance bonuses, and access to employee discount programs—plus much more!