Antibody - Drug Conjugate Programme Leader

Department: Early Oncology Discovery / Biotherapeutics Reports To: Head of Research and Development Location: Central Cambridge; full-time onsite Position Summary:                                                                               We are seeking a highly driven, multidisciplinary drug discovery scientist to lead ADC drug development at GTx. The successful candidate will bring a documented track record of novel ADC discovery and pre-clinical study proposal/execution through lead optimisation to formal development candidate (DC) selection.  Key Responsibilities:

1. Scientific Strategy & Programme Execution

• Design and execute operational roadmaps for the early ADC discovery portfolio, establishing target product profiles and rigorous, empirical go/no-go screening cascades.
• Accountability for advancing programs from exploratory biology through lead optimisation to formal DC selection.
• Partner with Translational Oncology and Clinical Development teams to ensure pipeline molecules align with clinical positioning and biomarker strategies.

2. Platform & Conjugation Chemistry Optimisation

• Lead the strategic selection and optimisation of novel payloads, cleavable/non-cleavable linkers, and stabilising architectures.
• Direct the deployment of conjugation chemistries to ensure homogeneity, stability, and manufacturability.
• Oversee physicochemical profiling to systematically identify and remove liabilities related to hydrophobicity, plasma instability, premature payload de-conjugation, and high non-specific clearance.

3. Target Biology Integration

• Drive the biological screening cascades, including receptor occupancy assays, target-dependent internalisation assays, in vitro cytotoxicity, bystander killing dynamics, and in vivo efficacy models (CDX/PDX).
• Provide biology-driven insights into payload mechanism of action, tumor context, and therapeutic index considerations.

4. DMPK, Translational Safety & DC Nomination

• Establish integrated PK/PD/efficacy relationships, quantifying payload release, total antibody, and intact ADC exposure in circulation and within target/non-target tissues.
• Partner with early safety/toxicology to define dose-limiting toxicities in rodent and non-rodent (e.g., non-human primate) pilot studies, driving design iterations that expand the therapeutic index.
• Author and defend formal DC nomination packages, ensuring scientific rigor, robust CMC manufacturability assessments, and audit-ready data.

5. Matrix Management

• Represent payload/linker and ADC platform expertise in cross-functional project teams, governance discussions, and external collaborations.
• Direct external research collaborations and contract research organizations (CROs) for chemistry synthesis, antibody discovery, and in vivo efficacy/tox models. Candidate Qualifications & Experience:
• Education: Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Molecular/Cellular Biology.
• Track Record: Direct authorship and leadership in advancing at least one novel ADC program to formal DC status; track record of contributing to IND filings is highly preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of biopharma industry experience, with a minimum of 5 years dedicated specifically to ADC or targeted conjugate discovery and lead optimization.
• DMPK & Safety: Proven ability to translate in vitro data and multi-species PK/PD models into actionable chemical/biological design iterations to optimize the human therapeutic index.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary matrix teams, managing laboratory resources, and steering external CRO partnerships.
• Communication: Effectively communicate scientific concepts, study findings, and interpretations to multidisciplinary teams and executive governance committees including Scientific Advisory Boards, and regulatory bodies. Preferred Attributes:
• Familiarity with next-generation conjugate formats, including dual payloads, bispecific ADCs, immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs), small-molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs), or degradation-activating conjugates (DACs).
• Experience interacting with early CMC and formulation development teams to de-risk high-concentration stability and scale-up early in discovery. & Right to Work: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application; unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. To apply: Send your CV together with a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate for this role to recruitment@genometx.com quoting reference: “Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Programme Leader - 0008”