Job Description

NUCLEOME THERAPEUTICS, is using breakthrough genomics technologies to discover first-in-class antibody therapeutics for inflammatory diseases. The approach is based solely on human disease genetics and biology.  Nucleome is able, for the first time, to reveal molecular mechanisms of disease and select drug targets using human genetic variants in the non-coding genome that alter gene expression. The Company’s proprietary 3D genomics combines lab and machine learning technologies which can be applied to any set of disease-associated variants.
Nucleome Therapeutics was founded by leading experts in gene regulation from the University of Oxford and is backed by top tier life science investors.

Overview of the role:

The drug discovery team seeks a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in autoimmunity and translational medicine to advance our pipeline of novel targets identified from Nucleome’s proprietary platform. In this lab-based leadership role, you will design and execute experiments linking preclinical findings to clinical relevance, including assays for target validation, candidate screening, and mechanism-of-action studies. The successful candidate will connect mechanistic insights to immune cell biology, select primary human cell assays that accurately reflect disease biology, and interpret complex data to guide therapeutic strategy. A strong understanding of immunopathology and cellular interactions is essential for translational relevance and robust decision-making throughout early drug discovery. You will provide hands-on scientific guidance at the bench, mentoring junior scientists to ensure technical excellence and best practices. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams in drug discovery, functional genomics, and computational biology, you will contribute to the progression of multiple early-stage programs and deliver impactful recommendations to project teams and leadership.

Key responsibilities

Experimental design and execution

• Design, execute, troubleshoot and validate cellular assays using primary human immune cells to explore target biology and therapeutic molecule function
• Perform multiparameter flow cytometry analysis including designing and optimising complex multicolour panels
• Interpret results with appropriate software and statistical tools (including FlowJo, and GraphPad Prism)

Project ownership

• Lead delivery of work packages, presenting findings and strategic recommendations to project teams and leadership
• Define key questions and experimental strategy to support decision-making

Therapeutic area expertise

• Act as a subject matter expert in an immunological, preferably autoimmune, disease area (e.g., IBD, RA, SLE, or MS). Remain up to date with current literature and advise on relevant in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo disease models

Cross-functional collaboration

• Work across multidisciplinary teams in drug discovery, genomics and computational biology
• Support and mentor team members, providing technical advice and training

Compliance and safety standards

• Proactively improve workflows and experimental approaches
• Ensure work is completed according to local safety and ethical standards, including COSHH and HTA
• Contribute to lab maintenance and rigorous experimental documentation

Essential experience

• PhD and postdoctoral experience in immunology or related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Extensive hands-on expertise with primary human immune cells from both autoimmune patient and non-disease controls

• Proven extensive experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry including intracellular staining and whole blood assays
• Track record of leading multiple scientific initiatives and ensuring successful delivery of complex work packages from planning through execution
• Lead by example at the bench, providing mentorship and technical guidance to ensure experimental excellence and foster knowledge sharing across the team

Essential skills and behaviours

• Strong scientific communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Mentorship of other team members
• Effective time management and ability to balance multiple projects
• Willingness to develop and improve skills and knowledge

Desired experience

• Proven experience in drug discovery in immune-related disease(s), ideally autoimmune disease
• Experience in a biotech setting
• Experience with IND-enabling studies
• Antibody-based therapeutic development
• Management of CRO partnerships