Scientist IHC presso Oxford BioTherapeutics

About Oxford Biotherapeutics:

Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT) is a dynamic, growing, international biotechnology company based in Oxford, UK, and San Jose, CA. We are a clinical stage oncology company with a pipeline of immunooncology and antibody-drug conjugate-based therapies. OBT's IO discovery process provides unique insight into the cancer-immune cell synapse and has identified several novel IO candidates for cancer therapy. Discovery of novel tumor antigens and immune cell surface proteins at OBT is performed using the proprietary Oxford Genome Anatomy Project (OGAP®) database. OBT currently has one ADC in phase 1b clinical trials in collaboration with Menarini. 

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Scientist to join our histopathology lab within the Target Validation Team at our San Jose, CA site.  The appropriate candidate will be expected to independently execute the necessary histopathology techniques for evaluating oncology therapeutic targets. This role will support our target validation efforts by using immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), in situ hybridization (ISH), microscope slide scanning, whole-slide image analysis and troubleshooting experience to aid in the development of new assays and informative assay data. The majority of responsibilities will be focused on IHC, including the screening, assay development, and validation of IHC antibody clones, oncology indication-focused tissue procurement, sample processing and embedding (FFPE and FF), sectioning (FFPE and FF), and tissue-based assay development (both manual and automated). Hands-on knowledge of histology and oncology fundamentals is required.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Independently design and execute the selection of in-house antibody clones to develop, validate and utilize chromogenic IHC assays against novel cancer drug targets.
• Design and perform single and multiplexed IHC, ISH, IF and similar assay experiments to support therapeutic drug development decision making.
• Process tissues and cell pellets into FFPE and frozen sample blocks; section FFPE and frozen samples, and perform staining primarily using Leica Bond autostainers.
• Digitize microscope slides using slide scanners and independently summarize results of lab experiments in ELN and PowerPoint presentation formats in a timely manner.
• Collaborate effectively in a matrix-managed organization to drive advancement of early-stage projects into translational and clinical development.
• Be relied upon as a technical expert in the IHC field; provide guidance to colleagues and collaborators, and mentorship to more junior lab colleagues.
• Perform general day-to-day lab tasks including timely archiving of new slides and samples, equipment maintenance, consumables ordering, shipping/receiving, etc..

 Required Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD +4 years, or Master’s +6 years, or Bachelor’s +8 years or more of hands-on experience working in histology and IHC related labs, preferably supporting cancer research in an industry setting.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing, utilizing, and interpreting immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays against novel protein targets, using both single and multiplex IHC techniques primarily on FFPE sample slides.
• Extensive hands-on experience in laboratory histology, including preparation of tissue samples into FFPE and FF blocks, preparation of cell pellet control blocks, cryostat and microtome sectioning, troubleshooting chromogenic IHC and ISH experiments, and independently identifying appropriate next steps in the development of robust, sensitive and specific tissue biomarker assays.
• Experience with Leica Bond autostainers and reagents relevant to optimizing new IHC assays, typically chromogenic assays.
• Experience with microscope slide scanners for brightfield and fluorescent imaging, and general experience utilizing whole-slide image analysis software such as HALO.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and tumor histopathology are each a plus.
• Strong track record of developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve scientific and/or operational activities.
• Relevant experience working with service providers and CROs in the histology space.
• Excellent organization skills, and previous successes working a growing and fast-paced work environment.
• Experience regularly presenting IHC assay results in group settings.
• Top candidates will be collaborative and team oriented, creative problem solvers, resilient to change, and interested in learning opportunities.
• Experience with cell culture and related molecular biology assays (WB/ELISA/etc.) are additionally a plus.

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
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• STD, LTD, Basic Life, Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Up to 120 hours of Paid Time Off in your first year (increasing with tenure)
• 5 sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual training budget for professional development
• Annual bonus program
• New hire stock options
• Team building events and activities

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. 

Why Join Us

We promote a culture of innovation, responsibility, and commitment to our goals and objectives. Together, we believe, we can pool our resources and our uniqueness to develop novel, robust cures for one of the most challenging health conditions today. We recognize that our team is only as good as the people in it. Our people have used the words friendly, collaborative, and hard working to describe the culture here at OBT. This is why, while we strive to ensure that we hire only the best people. We also strive to provide a working environment that is based on cooperation, innovation, and mutual respect.