Scientist, Immunohistochemistry (Translational Medicine)

Abington, UK

Immunocore is an innovative and dynamic biotechnology company leading the development of a novel platform of T cell receptor-based therapeutics for the treatments of cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Immunocore has a well- established pipeline of wholly owned programmes, of world leading science and strong IP position, which has led to discovery collaborations with Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Medimmune as well as a co-discovery & co-development partnership with Lilly, and recent investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

We are now seeking a Scientist to conduct and design experimental investigations using Immunohistochemistry and/or Immunofluorescence to analyse clinical trial and non-clinical samples, alongside supporting diagnostic activities.

 Key responsibilities

• Performing Immunohistochemical or IF (single/multiplex) analysis on patient samples from clinical trials using previously established assays. Antibody specificity testing and setting up new GCP-compliant IHC protocols for patient sample analysis.
• Perform experimental investigation of target expression/frequency and exploring candidate biomarkers in non-clinical disease tissue, using IHC/IF, RNA ISH, and/or molecular biology techniques such as RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing.
• Support diagnostics activities with histological, IHC and molecular techniques, such as antibody specificity testing, protocol optimisation and validation. Identification of sample sets for assay validation by CRO.
• Digital histology image capture analysis, following previously established protocols, or protocol development with support.
• Performing experimental procedures, equipment maintenance and keeping experimental and maintenance records in accordance with HTA and /or GCP standards, as relevant.
• Analysis and preparation of experimental results for presentation within matrix project teams.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Background in histopathology, cell biology and/or immunology.
• Experience in histology and immunohistochemistry techniques.
• Worked in a bench-based molecular biology laboratory environment.
• Experience with diagnostics assay development for patient selection in clinical trials.
• Recorded results in a concise and timely way, helping shape the agreed standards and approach.
• Learnt about new practices based through observation, self-learning and an enquiring mind.
• Worked and contributed actively in a diverse team environment.

Desirable

• Experience with immuno-pathology.
• Significant experience of RNA in situ hybridization and/or multiplex IHC/IF.
• Experience analysing clinical trial samples with IHC or IF based biomarkers.
• Experience with qRT-PCR assay development and validation.
• Experience with digital image analysis.
• Experience in a GCP- and/or HTA-regulated environment.
• Presented results and scientific practices to internal teams.
• Mentored and coached colleagues in scientific practices and theory.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Essential: BSc. Or MSc. in Biological Sciences, Oncology, Immunology or other related discipline
• Desirable: PhD in related discipline