Job Description

The Antibody Discovery & Engineering group is a unit within the newly established Orion Biologics R&D UK Centre whose main responsibility is to discover and develop biologics for clinical use from early research into clinical development and launch.


Orion Pharma is establishing a new Biologics Research & Development Centre in the vibrant biomedical ecosystem of Cambridge, UK. The Biologics R&D Centre represents a central piece in the long-term vision of expansion into biologics modalities by Orion Pharma. The Centre's mission is to accelerate the company's biologics research and development efforts.


The Biologics R&D Centre will complement Orion's existing R&D efforts in Finland, where the company was founded in 1917. Currently, Orion possesses all the functional capabilities necessary for small molecule discovery and development in Finland. Orion's expansion into Cambridge, UK marks a pivotal step in building future innovative biologics treatments, including multi-specific antibodies, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T).


Independently of geography, Orion Pharma is committed to upholding key Nordic values. The company has created a culture of straightforward and honest interactions, and its management emphasizes the balance of professional and home life, leading to happier and motivated employees. This motivation is key to meeting the company's bold mission of becoming a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development.


We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our interdisciplinary team focussed on therapeutic antibody engineering. This role combines expertise in antibody engineering techniques to advance the technology platform and support advancement of antibodies through our pipeline.


Your responsibilities include the following:

Establish and lead core antibody engineering capabilities

to advance and optimise the platform and help in the generation of novel modalities, and ideally, antibody libraries. Build and lead a diverse team of antibody engineering scientists and establish complementary laboratory infrastructure Lead optimization of the functional and developability properties of existing antibody candidates through deep understanding of structure/function relationships in antibodies Spearhead the design of novel proprietary antibody technologies Enhance the available antibody engineering toolbox as well as creating novel tools.

Collaborate cross-functionally

with the computational sciences, protein sciences and discovery biology teams to integrate experimental design.

Mentor junior scientists and guide technical development

, fostering innovation and best practices within the team.

Contribute to the strategic planning

for the antibody discovery platform and new modality development.

Stay at the forefront

of antibody engineering technologies and scientific trends; identify and evaluate novel methods for potential adoption.
The Antibody Engineering Senior Scientist will report to the Director of the Antibody Discovery and Engineering Department, Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.

We offer

This opportunity is to play a key role in the newly formed Antibody Engineering and Discovery department at our new location in Cambridge, UK; this will be a unique opportunity for an enthusiastic and innovative senior scientist to take a leadership role and help build a state-of-the-art Antibody Engineering team while we build a powerhouse of biologics discovery and development within Orion Pharma iMeds/R&D.


A highly innovative R&D pipeline and enthusiastic working environment with possibilities to use your own strengths to advance your competence and career.


The exciting potential to innovate and have an impact on future therapies for patients.


An excellent working atmosphere based on the appreciation of colleagues, continuous development, and mutual trust. Learn more about Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

Our expectations

: Ph.D. or MSc. in protein engineering, molecular biology or related subject with 5+ years experience applied to antibody R&D and significant industrial experience.


Extensive expertise and a passion for antibody engineering and a comprehensive understanding of the antibody structure/function relationship Demonstrated scientific leadership and the ability to meet performance targets and project initiatives. Familiarity with structural modelling tools and knowledge of the application of AI/ML for antibody platform improvement is highly desirable Experience with library construction and display technologies such as phage, yeast and/or mammalian display is desirable. Expertise in interpreting data from biophysical and functional assays relevant to antibody behaviour. An ability to create productive collaborations within the Research & Development team. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills. Experience with bispecifics, multispecifics, Fc engineered, or other antibody-based modalities is essential.
#LI-ORION

Unit description

Orion's pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham in England and in New York, NY, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.