Senior Antibody Engineer – Team Lead

About the role

Our client, a multinational drug discovery organisation, is seeking a Senior Antibody Engineer to lead therapeutic antibody optimisation projects. The role is permanent, full‑time and based onsite in Macclesfield.

Key responsibilities

• Lead therapeutic antibody (and other biologics such as TCR) lead optimisation projects.
• Design antibody and biologics projects focused on affinity maturation, humanisation and manufacturing feasibility using in‑silico approaches.
• Optionally manage a small team of 2‑4 scientists, depending on seniority.
• Manage projects from initiation to delivery, providing regular data updates and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
• Handle multiple projects concurrently while maintaining high scientific standards.

Required profile

• PhD in a biological discipline (essential) – MSc/BSc equivalents also acceptable.
• Several years of post‑doctoral or post‑graduate experience in antibody lead optimisation (affinity maturation, humanisation) – straight PhD considered if research aligns.
• Strong in‑silico experience for structural and genetic analysis.
• Proven track record of leading complex scientific projects.
• Right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.
• Desirable: prior line‑management experience, client‑facing project work, and experience with antibody expression and purification.

Required skills

• In‑silico structural analysis
• Genetic analysis
• Antibody design
• Affinity maturation
• Antibody humanisation
• Antibody expression and purification (desired)
• TCR design (desired)

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £50,000 per year (≈£38,000 for recent PhD holders).
• Permanent contract with progression opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.