Scientist Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

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 Scientist to support the discovery and optimization of multi-specific TCEs. The successful candidate will generate high-quality, decision-enabling data across early discovery through IND-enabling studies. This role combines deep hands-on experimental expertise with scientific leadership, assay innovation, and cross-functional collaboration to advance OBT’s multi-specific pipeline. This role will be filled at the Scientist level. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Program Execution:

- Contribute to the design of multi-specific antibodies and oversee their production/purification.
- Design, execute, and lead in vitro functional studies supporting the validation of target combinations, lead selection, and preclinical development of multi-specific TCEs.
- Develop, optimize, and perform functional assays to inform potency, selectivity, and safety (e.g., cytotoxicity, cytokine release, reporter assays).
- 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 and management.

Assay Development & Technical Expertise:

- Familiarity with diverse antibody platforms and strategies for the design and production of multi-specific antibodies.
- Optimize and characterize binding properties of multi-specific antibodies (ELISA, flow cytometry, cell bridging assays).
- Develop and execute multiparameter flow cytometry to assess T-cell activation.
- Design and perform real-time cytotoxicity assays (e.g., IncuCyte, eSight) and other functional readouts relevant to T-cell engager activity (e.g., reporter assays).
- Design and generate engineered cell systems, including overexpression and CRISPR-based knockout models.
- Isolation and maintenance of primary immune cell populations (e.g., PBMCs, T-cells).

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement:

- Collaborate closely across teams to evaluate and optimize multi-specific TCEs.
- Coordinate with 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 multi-specific TCEs and emerging immune redirecting modalities.
- Propose innovative experimental approaches to accelerate early-stage discovery.
- 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.
- Contribute scientific expertise and innovative thinking to project teams.

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

- Experience supporting the discovery, characterization, and optimization of T-cell engagers, bispecific antibodies or other immune redirecting biologics.
- Experience with stable cell line generation (Lentiviral transduction, CRISPR KO).
- Expertise with antibody binding assays (ELISA, flow cytometry).
- Immune cell co-culture cytotoxicity assays with live readouts (Incucyte, eSight).
- Multiparameter flow cytometry and panel design.
- T-cell activation assays (Reporter assays, immune-profiling and cytokine secretion).
- Demonstrated ability to design, analyse, 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.

Scientist Level

- PhD with 1–3 years of relevant post-PhD experience, or
- MS with 5–7 years of relevant industry experience in immunology, cell biology, or biologics discovery.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

- Experience with affinity tuning/detuning and epitope selection to achieve logic-gated targeting.
- Hands on experience with complex co-culture systems (e.g., organoids).
- Experience managing cross-functional/CRO studies related to in vivo cancer models.
- 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.

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.