Senior/Principal Scientist IHC

About Oxford BioTherapeutics

Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. OBT’s OGAP-verify® platform is the world's largest, cancer specific, membrane protein library, directly measuring plasma membrane protein expression in patient tumors. OGAP is used to identify novel, highly tumor specific antigens for novel first-in-class ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets.  Our lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development.  Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline of novel biologics is balanced between internal programs, focused on ADCs and checkpoint regulators, and externally partnered programs with key innovators in oncology such as Roche, GSK, and Zymeworks.

For further information, pleaseseewww.oxfordbiotherapeutics.com

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Sr. or Principal Scientist to join the Histopathology Lab within the Target Validation team in San Jose, CA. The role involves independently designing, troubleshooting, and executing histopathology workflows to evaluate oncology targets, and presenting findings to teams and partners.

You will support target validation through IHC, IF, ISH, slide scanning, image analysis, and assay optimization, with a strong focus on IHC assay development, antibody screening, tissue processing (FFPE/FF), sectioning, and tissue-based assay implementation. Hands-on histology and oncology knowledge is required.

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

• Design and optimize chromogenic IHC assays using FFPE/FF samples; confirm specificity using orthogonal methods (e.g., ISH).
• Lead histopathology support for cancer target programs, including materials management, hands-on lab work, mentorship of junior staff, and timeline delivery.
• Present results, gather feedback, and implement next steps.
• Use literature and public datasets to guide assay development and target validation.
• Process tissues and cell pellets into FFPE/frozen blocks; section and stain samples using Leica Bond autostainers.
• Digitize slides, analyze results, and document data in ELN and presentations.
• Perform routine lab tasks: sample archiving, equipment maintenance, consumables ordering, logistics.
• Support tissue database and digital data organization.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD+4years,orMaster’s+6years,orBachelor’s+8yearsor moreofhands-on experience working in histologyandIHCrelatedlabs, preferablysupportingcancer researchin anindustry setting.

• Extensive(>3 years)hands-onexperiencedeveloping,utilizing, and interpreting immunohistochemistry assaysagainstnovel protein targets,using bothsingleand multiplexIHC techniquesprimarily on FFPE sample slides.

• Extensive(>3 years)hands-onexperience inlaboratoryhistology,including preparation oftissue samplesinto FFPE and FF blocks,preparation ofcell pellet control blocks,cryostatand microtome sectioning, troubleshootingchromogenicIHCand
  ISHexperiments, andindependentlyidentifyingappropriatenextsteps in the development ofrobust,sensitiveand specific tissue biomarker assays.

• Experience withLeica Bondautostainersand reagentsrelevant to optimizing new IHC assays, typically chromogenicassays.

• Experience withmicroscopeslide scannersforbrightfield andfluorescentimaging, andgeneral experience utilizingwhole-slideimage analysis softwaresuch as HALO.

• Collaborate effectively in a matrix-managed organization to drive advancement of early-stage projects into translational and clinicaldevelopment.

• Be relied upon as a technical expert in the IHC field;provide guidance to colleagues and collaborators, and mentorship to more junior lab colleagues.

PreferredQualifications and Skills:

• Knowledgeincancer biology,immuno-oncology, andtumorhistopathologyareeacha plus.

• Strongtrack recordof developing and implementing strategic initiatives to improve scientific and/or operational activities.

• Relevant experience working with service providers and CROsin the histology space.

• Excellent organization skills,andevidence ofprevioussuccessinagrowing andfast-pacedworkenvironment.

• ExperienceregularlypresentingIHC assayresults in group settings.

• Top candidates will becollaborative and teamoriented,creative problem solvers,resilient to change, and interested in learningopportunities.

• Experience withcell culture andrelatedmolecular biologyassays (WB/ELISA/etc.)areadditionallya plus.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employee and dependents
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• STD, LTD, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Supplemental Life
• 401(k) Plan
• 120 hours of Paid Time Off
• 5 sick days per year
• 11 holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Annual bonus program
• New hire stock options

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. 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.