Year in industry – Pipeline Biology

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

12/9/2024

Location of role Oxford, UK

Department Biology Pipeline

Key Responsibilities We have an opportunity in our Research Group for a 12-month placement (Year in industry). We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who would relish the chance to learn from Immunocore’s cutting edge science and corporate growth.

The Preclinical (Biology Pipeline) team screen Immunocore’s ImmTAC molecules for both potency and specificity using cell based in vitro assays against cancer cell lines or normal cells. This is done either through measuring levels of cytotoxic T cell biomarkers such as IFNγ, or by determining levels of redirected cancer cell killing.

While ImmTAC responses to different cancer cell lines can differ due to varying levels of either target peptide presentation or HLA expression on the cancer cell, we have observed ImmTAC-mediated responses to some cancer cell lines that cannot be attributed to these factors. This suggests other factors (e.g. other T cell-tumour interaction mediators, or even other immune cells) may be involved.

The successful candidate for this project would have the opportunity to delve deeper into the basic biology of T cell responses to ImmTAC molecules, to discover the factors beyond peptide and HLA levels that influence ImmTAC responses to cancer.

Findings from this project could be used to better screen and subsequently rank ImmTAC molecules coming through the pipeline and could ultimately identify new tumour-associated biomarkers.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate would gain experience in the following activities:

• Learning a wide range of techniques regularly used within Biology Pipeline, including cell culture of both cancer cells and normal cells, immunoassays (ELISA, Incucyte or xCelligence killing assays, MSD), and flow cytometry.
• Development of flow cytometry panels for phenotyping T cell activation, proliferation, maturation and exhaustion in response to ImmTAC stimulation;
• Using these optimised flow cytometry panels to carry out longitudinal analysis of phenotypic data, in combination with immunoassays such as ELISAs to quantify cytokine production and killing assays
• Intracellular flow cytometry analysis to identify which populations are actively contributing to cytokine production;
• Identification of signalling pathways initiated upon ImmTAC stimulation leading to T cell activation, proliferation or exhaustion, using methods such as Western blot;
• They will also gain experience of data analysis, as well as presentation of this data to various audiences within the company. They will gain insight into how a drug discovery company operates and will have the opportunity to work at a cross-functional level, engaging with multiple teams.
  
  

Education & Qualifications

Undertaking (currently in second year and looking for a year in industry) BSc. in Biological or Biomedical Sciences with an immunology component.

What will you receive?

Join Immunocore for a paid placement and gain insights from our innovative science and corporate growth. You’ll enjoy 25 days of annual leave (pro rata), pension scheme eligibility, and access to our active Sports and Social Club with subsidized events.

Please note this is a full-time position is based at our Abingdon, Oxfordshire office and contracted through a third party.

Important information for all applicants

The application deadline is 10th January 2025, with phone interviews starting shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person Assessment Centre on 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th March 2025, providing an opportunity to meet current placement students, learn about the role, and socialize with employees.

Placements are expected to begin on 8th September 2025.

Please note - should you not be available on all the above dates, unfortunately, we won't be able to proceed with your application.

If interested, apply with your CV and a cover letter (combined in one document) stating your main areas of interest.

About the Company Immunocore (NASDAQ: IMCR) is a pioneering, commercial-stage T cell receptor biotechnology company whose purpose is to develop and commercialize a new generation of transformative medicines which address unmet patient needs in oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune disease. Our leaders in R&D are internationally recognised as some of the biotech industry’s most successful drug developers. We are creating not just an environment where great minds can interact but an innovation powerhouse answering the big questions.

Focused on delivering first-in-class biological therapies to patients, we have developed a highly innovative soluble TCR platform. Our ImmTAX molecules underpin a new generation of precision engineered drugs that harness the immune system to treat a broad spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need, including oncology, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

At Immunocore, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We value the unique contributions each person brings to our team. By embracing Science, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Entrepreneurship (STRIDE), we create an environment where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and transformative changes happen. STRIDE represents more than just letters; it embodies our shared identity and drives our mission. We are dedicated to developing breakthrough therapies that transform patients’ lives, advancing medicine, and supporting one another in these pursuits.

Immunocore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.