Principal Scientist – Preclinical Validation

Introduction

Enara Bio’s purpose is to shine a light on unconventional T cell targets to develop cancer immunotherapies designed to provide lasting benefit for broad patient populations. Our proprietary EDAPT™ platform enables us to discover a novel and differentiated class of cancer-specific targets from the genomic dark matter, which we call Dark Antigens™. We are pioneering approaches to exploit these Dark Antigen targets with a range of immunotherapeutic modalities, including bispecific T-cell engagers, adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines.
Enara Bio was founded in 2016 and has been well funded to invest in the build out and growth of our R&D efforts and our fantastic team. The company is based in Oxford, UK

Job Summary

We are looking for an innovative and enthusiastic lab-based scientist to join our team, supporting our Preclinical Validation function within research, working throughout differing stages of our pipeline of dark antigen assets.

As a target validation principal scientist, you will work in close collaboration with discovery and immunology teams and have a good understanding of transcriptional biology, in order to reach the best-in-class dark antigens.

You will be expected to:

The role is an opportunity to help shape and expand the Target Validation pipeline capabilities within a rapidly growing organisation that will help steer our research from novel dark antigen discovery to investigational new drug (IND) applications and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Demonstrate exceptional understanding of transcriptomics biology, specifically in the Dark genome field.
Understand principles of early target discovery and communicate effectively cross-functionally with Antigen Discovery pipeline process team members.
As an independent thinker, you will plan and perform experiments, interpret the data, troubleshoot, suggest next steps or alternative approaches.
Take an active role in building strong working collaborations with external partners, including academic centres and contract research organisations (CROs).
Utilise your subject matter expertise to mentor and develop members of your immediate team, as well as the wider research organisation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required

PhD level qualification or equivalent experience in biological or pharmacological science.
A deep level of experience gained (at least 7 years) in an industrial biopharmaceutical or academic setting, working in early target discovery and validation.
Strong knowledge in the field of dark genome and proteome, specifically on validation of non-canonical open reading frame (ORF) strategies.
Proven expertise in transcriptional biology techniques and data interpretation including RT-qPCR and RNA-seq.
Strong knowledge in functional genomics technologies, including generation of novel experimental systems, such as in vitro expression reporter models of translation and CRISPR/Cas9 screens.
Research experience in immunological disease setting.
A positive “can-do” attitude and a team player who proactively communicates and collaborates with all team members

Desirable

Expertise in ribosome profiling and scRNA-seq is desirable.
Laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture desirable.
Experience of in vitro and in vivo models relevant to immuno-oncology.

Further information

The Enara Bio team is driven to make a meaningful difference for people affected by cancer. Our culture is defined by our behavioural ethos:

Act with unconditional positive regard and integrity
Support each other to grow and develop
Promote a collaborative, passionate and fun working environment
Innovate by discussing issues, data and ideas openly
Respect each other and value our diversity
Embrace our shared goals and take ownership of our journey