Senior Scientist Bispecific & T-Cell Engager

Job Description

Job Description

About Oxford Biotherapeutics:  

Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. OBT’s OGAP-verify® platform is the world's largest, cancer specific, membrane protein library, directly measuring plasma membrane protein expression in patient tumors. OGAP is used to identify novel, highly tumor specific antigens for novel first-in-class ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets.  Our lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development.  Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline of novel biologics is balanced between internal programs, focused on ADCs and checkpoint regulators, and externally partnered programs with key innovators in oncology such as Roche, GSK and Zymeworks. 

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious Senior Scientist to join our discovery research organization. This individual will play a central role in advancing T-cell engagers by generating high
quality, decision
driving data from early discovery through IND. The role blends hands
on experimental expertise with scientific leadership, assay innovation, and cross-
functional collaboration.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Scientific Leadership & Program Execution 

• Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting target discovery, validation, lead selection and optimization, and preclinical development of T‑cell engagers.

• Develop, optimize, and run T‑cell functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety. (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, activation, immune profiling, reporter assays).

• Design and run co‑culture assays to evaluate T‑cell–mediated tumor cell killing in response to T‑cell engagers. 

• Design and execute primary human T‑cell assays, including activation, cytokine release, T-cell exhaustion, mixed lymphocyte reaction assays and proliferation. Generate and interpret complex datasets with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data quality. 

• Build decision-focused data packages and communicate clear scientific conclusions and recommendations to project teams, management, and external collaborators.

Assay Development & Technical Expertise 

• Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry, including activation and intracellular cytokine staining. 

• Design and perform real-time cytotoxicity assays (e.g., IncuCyte, eSight) and other functional readouts relevant to T‑cell engager activity. 

• Characterize T‑cell engagers using cell‑based functional assays, including cytokine release and cytotoxicity. 

• Understand various TCE formats and improve tumor-specific killing efficacy. 

Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Engagement 

• Collaborate closely across teams to evaluate and optimize T-cell engager molecules.

• Coordinate with external collaborators and CROs to deliver high quality, timely data.

• Proactively identify project risks, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate progress and challenges clearly to stakeholders. 

Innovation & External Awareness 

• Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to T-cell engagers and emerging immune redirecting modalities. 

• Propose innovative experimental approaches to accelerate early-stage discovery. 

• Serve as an internal subject matter expert in T cell immunobiology and immune redirecting therapies. 

• Monitor the scientific literature and competitive landscape relevant to OGAP-selected targets. 

Team Leadership & Culture 

• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, learning, transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

• Act as a scientific thought leader within the research organization. 

Compliance & Documentation 

• Adhere to OBT’s Quality Management System (QMS), including SOPs, documentation standards, electronic lab notebooks, and required training. 

• Support audit readiness and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory systems and workflows. 

Please note the roles and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the above

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD with 4–6 years of relevant post‑PhD experience, or
• MS with 8–12 years of relevant industry experience demonstrating increasing scientific independence and technical leadership
• Basic understanding of antibody therapeutics development
• Hands‑on experience working with T‑cell engagers and/or bispecific antibody formats.
• Strong hands-on experience with core immunology techniques, including:
• PBMC and primary human T-cell isolation, culture, and functional assays
• Multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design
• Intracellular cytokine staining & other flow-based assays
• Cell-based reporter assays
• Demonstrated ability to design, analyze, and interpret complex datasets and translate results into clear scientific conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Combines a humble, team‑oriented mindset with the ability to form and voice clear, independent viewpoints.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience contributing to biologics discovery programs from early discovery through lead optimization and/or preclinical development.
• Track record of scientific impact demonstrated through publications, patents, presentations, or program advancement.
• Experience with both traditional and homogeneous ELISA‑derived platforms, including AlphaLISA and/or multiplex systems such as Luminex.

One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employee and dependents
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• STD, LTD, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Supplemental Life 
• 401(k) Plan
• 120 hours of Paid Time Off
• 5 sick days per year
• 11 holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual bonus program
• New hire stock options

Equal Opportunities Statement

OBT is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families. To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits