Scientist at Nucleome Therapeutics in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Scientist

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

About Nucleome Therapeutics:

Nucleome Therapeutics is a growing biopharmaceutical company discovering first-in-class antibody therapeutics for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Our proprietary 3D genomics platform combines laboratory science and machine learning to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets from human genetic variation in the non-coding genome.

Founded by University of Oxford gene-regulation experts and backed by leading life-science investors, we bring together genomics, immunology, drug discovery, data science and software development. We value scientific rigour, creativity, smart risk-taking and an inclusive culture that empowers people to make a difference.

Overview of the role:

As a Scientist in Drug Discovery, you will develop cellular assays and perform experiments to validate therapeutic targets and investigate the pharmacology and mechanism of action of tool and candidate molecules for immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. With senior scientific guidance and study objectives and priorities agreed with your supervisor, you will execute defined studies, troubleshoot experimental challenges and deliver high-quality data to support early biologics programmes, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and communicating findings at project and functional meetings.

Key responsibilities:

• Experimental delivery: Contribute to experimental design and optimise and execute reproducible cellular immunology and pharmacology studies under senior scientific guidance, supporting target validation and early drug discovery.
• Assay development: Develop cell-based assays using primary immune cells and cell lines, including multiparameter flow cytometry and immune-response characterisation assays.
• Mechanistic insight: Evaluate therapeutic hypotheses and characterise the on-target and off-target biological effects of tool and candidate molecules.
• Data analysis: Analyse and interpret experimental data with appropriate attention to sensitivity, reproducibility and scientific quality.
• Communication: Summarise and present results, conclusions and recommendations clearly to specialist and non-specialist colleagues.
• Collaboration: Work effectively within cross-functional project teams, contribute to scientific discussions and help troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate experimental records and uphold data integrity to support project continuity and decision-making.

Essential experience and knowledge:

• PhD in immunology, cellular biology, pharmacology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in a small biopharmaceutical environment.
• Strong understanding of cellular immunology and pharmacology, particularly in immune-mediated disease biology.
• Practical experience handling primary immune cells and developing or running downstream cellular assays.
• Hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and associated analysis tools, such as FlowJo.
• Experience optimising cellular assays for reproducibility, sensitivity and fitness for purpose.
• Experience with plate-based immunoassays or fluorescence assays; familiarity with multiplex platforms such as Luminex or MSD is advantageous.
• Confidence analysing, visualising and presenting data using tools such as GraphPad Prism.
• Demonstrated ability to execute and analyse agreed experiments independently, with guidance on experimental design and interpretation available from senior colleagues.

Essential skills and behaviours:

• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain complex ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work independently on agreed tasks, seek guidance when needed and contribute positively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• A flexible, cooperative approach and willingness to learn new techniques.
• A positive, solutions-focused attitude and openness to new ideas in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to scientific quality, accurate documentation and timely delivery.

Preferred experience:

• Experience working in a small biopharmaceutical or drug-discovery setting.
• Research experience in an inflammatory, autoimmune or other immunological disease area.
• Experience with biochemical or cellular mechanism-of-action studies.
• Proficiency in relevant molecular biology methods, such as Western blotting, qPCR or immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with genetic manipulation techniques, including CRISPR or RNA knockdown.

Why join Nucleome?

You will join an experienced and collaborative drug discovery team working at the interface of human genetics, genomics and experimental biology. The role offers the opportunity to broaden your drug discovery expertise with support and mentoring from senior colleagues, contribute to project discussions and help advance novel therapeutic opportunities for patients with immune-mediated diseases.