Principal Scientist II – Translational Science - I nflammation and/or Autoimmune Chesterford research Park – Cambridge Never losing sight of our purpose At Mestag we truly believe in our values and live by them every day. We’re ambitious about our science and its potential to deliver meaningful therapeutics to the patients that need them most. We believe in a culture of diversity, equality and investing in people to ensure our talented and passionate team members can fulfil their full potential. We are based in spacious and modern laboratory and office facilities at Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge, UK – right in the very heart of the UK life science sector. Our facilities are kitted out with state-of-the-art instruments to enable our dedicated researchers to deliver incredible science. Mestag is backed by committed leading global investors, has world-class founders and a highly experienced leadership team. We are now transitioning our lead programme into clinic - there has never been a better time to join TeamMestag Job Summary/ Scope of Role This is an outstanding opportunity for a proactive and energetic Principal Scientist II to join an innovative biotech company and work closely with experienced scientists both internally and externally. We are looking for a highly collaborative biologist with a passion for science who would like to join a committed, dynamic team and share our vision to bring new therapies to patients in need. The successful candidate will oversee the design and implementation of an effective translational strategy for our lead immunology program. This will involve planning and oversight of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments to support mechanism of action, indication selection, comb ination approaches, as well as devising and implementing the clinical biomarker strategy. The role will encompass extensive interaction with external CROs as well as with internal Mestag stakeholders in Development, Antibody Discovery, Biology and the Leadership Team. Up to 25% of time will be spent in the laboratory to support assay development. Key Responsibilities Design and implement appropriate in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies to support key program questions; identify and establish relationships with suitably qualified CROs; build relationships internally to ensure strategy achieves company objectives Drive the biomarker strategy and operational implementation including functional representation in clinical study teams, CRO interactions, sample management and data analysis. Apply teamwork and adaptability to go beyond the designated scope when required to deliver project goals; work effectively with the Antibody Discovery and Biology groups and with the Mestag Leadership Team as needed to achieve objectives Stay up to date with the scientific literature; leverage scientific insights and knowledge to support the Project Team and ensure effective study design to maximise chance of project success Present strategy and data in project team and governance meetings and at All-Company events as required to ensure reporting of programme progression, data readouts and status to the relevant audiences (internal and external as required) Prepare reports for submission to regulatory authorities; provide input into regulatory documents, such as Investigator Brochure and Protocol Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required. A recognised expert in inflammation and/or autoimmune disease PhD (or equivalent) in relevant scientific area with extensive experience in immunology research and/or development, some of which in an industrial setting Extensive knowledge of inflammatory / autoimmune disease mechanisms, with experience of in vivo models Experience working with antibody-based therapeutics, and knowledge of antibody mediated functions Demonstrated ability to form effective relationships with internal stakeholders across various levels, as well as with external collaborators e.g. CROs, consultants, academics A passion for science and demonstrated enthusiasm and drive to achieve company goals; adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and presentation skills. Pragmatic trouble shooter able to adapt ideas and experiments to achieve key programme objectives and adhere to timelines Preferred, but not essential: · Experience working with ex vivo human disease models · Experience with bispecific antibody drugs · Experience working with agonistic antibodies · Experience with clinical biomarkers In return we can offer you You will join our small but growing translational team and help shape Mestag's journey to clinic. We work flexibly with a strong team spirit and offer a highly competitive total rewards package including competitive salaries, pension contributions, private medical insurance, income protection and more. We have access to a range of onsite facilities including a gym, canteen, golf course and free on site parking. As a team we achieve great things each day, and we take the time to celebrate successes, share and learn. We value the relationships of our close-knit team and strive to make meaningful connections in our community. We frequently hold Town Halls and team lunches, and have an active social committee, organizing regular events and ‘giving back’ activities supporting charities close to our hearts. Feel free to have an informal discussion with us in the process for any questions you may have, we are happy to talk to you. About Mestag Therapeutics Mestag harnesses new insights into fibroblast-immune interactions to develop impactful treatments for patients. We are progressing a pipeline of sophisticated first-in-class antibodies designed to improve the lives of patients with cancer and inflammatory disease. Together with our collaboration partner Janssen Biotech, Inc. we are also identifying novel targets for future therapies. Our founding investigators comprise global experts in inflammatory disease, cancer, computational biology and fibroblast biology from the University of Oxford, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. We are supported by leading life science investors SV Health Investors, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc., Forbion, GV (formerly Google Ventures) and Northpond Ventures. Mestag is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and in 2021 was recognized on the Fierce 15 list of innovative biotechnology companies. For further information please visit our website www.mestagtherapeutics.com