In Vivo Scientist

Job description

Your mission Engitix Therapeutics is a London-based biotechnology company unlocking the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a source of novel therapeutic targets for fibrosis and cancer. Through our unique understanding of the ECM, world-class technology and distinctive approach, we are generating insights that power the development of new therapeutics. Working closely with In Vivo Pharmacology lead, project leads and internal scientists, you will understand the scientific question each in vivo study is designed to answer and the decision it is intended to support. Scientific strategy and major design choices will be agreed collaboratively; you will take ownership of translating those decisions into robust, executable CRO studies and driving day-to-day delivery from protocol development through data review and reporting. What you'll do Understand the science and operationalise agreed study designs Work with internal project leads and scientists to understand the underlying biological question, study objectives, key readouts and intended decision-making value of each study Translate agreed study concepts into clear, executable CRO study plans covering model set-up, groups and controls, dosing, endpoints, sampling, tissue allocation, downstream readouts and timelines Critically review CRO proposals, protocols and amendments for scientific coherence, practical feasibility and alignment with the agreed study objective; challenge ambiguities or inconsistencies and escalate changes that could affect interpretation Own day-to-day delivery of externally commissioned in vivo studies Act as the primary day-to-day scientific contact for CRO partners conducting in vivo studies on Engitix's behalf Support study scoping, vendor evaluation and selection, quotations/SOWs and protocol finalisation, then coordinate kick-off, test-article and sample logistics, in-life communication, terminal collections, data transfer and reporting Manage multiple concurrent studies, dependencies, timelines and deliverables; resolve operational issues where possible and flag material scientific, logistical or schedule risks early Monitor study execution, quality and data Review CRO study updates, amendments, deviations, sampling plans and practical constraints throughout execution, checking them against the protocol and scientific objective Review interim and final data for completeness, protocol consistency, data quality and biological plausibility; identify discrepancies and work with internal and CRO scientists to determine whether issues are technical, executional or biological Communicate concise study status, results, deviations, risks and unresolved issues to In Vivo Pharmacology lead, project leads and senior stakeholders, escalating promptly when scientific interpretation or programme-level decisions are required Maintain rigorous study documentation and ways of working Maintain complete, accurate and traceable study records, including ELN entries, protocols and amendments, study schedules, material and sample logistics, key decisions and communications, data packages, QC reviews and final reports Ensure outsourced studies are delivered to high standards of scientific rigour, animal welfare, data integrity and applicable regulatory requirements Identify opportunities to improve CRO ways of working, study execution, operational efficiency and data quality across the in vivo portfolio Your profile What you'll need BSc or MSc in a relevant life sciences discipline with 4+ years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD with at least 1 year of relevant professional experience Hands-on experience with mammalian in vivo studies and a strong practical understanding of preclinical pharmacology; experience with oncology and/or fibrosis models is strongly preferred Sufficient biological and technical depth to understand the scientific rationale behind a study, interrogate protocols and data, challenge assumptions and recognise when executional changes may compromise the intended question Demonstrated experience working with CROs or comparable external research partners, including protocol review, scientific communication, study coordination, timeline and deliverable management, sample logistics, data review and issue resolution Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage several concurrent studies and fast-moving timelines without losing attention to detail Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable acting as the interface between external CRO teams and internal scientific and project stakeholders A rigorous approach to documentation and data review, with confidence identifying inconsistencies, asking the right questions and following issues through to resolution Nice to have Experience with vendor evaluation/selection, quotations, SOWs or scope/budget discussions for externally commissioned preclinical work Experience with in vivo sample workflows, cell-based pharmacology or complementary in vitro/ex vivo assay Personal Home Office licence (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential How you work Take ownership of agreed study packages and proactively drive them to high-quality delivery, while recognising when scientific strategy or programme-level decisions require input from relevant stakeholders Work effectively in a matrix environment, build productive relationships and proactively seek opportunities to contribute across a broad project portfolio Communicate openly and directly, raise risks early, and give and receive feedback constructively Stay pragmatic, adaptable and resilient when priorities, data or timelines change, while maintaining scientific standards and attention to detail Why us? Be part of a pioneering biotech transforming drug discovery through ECM biology Work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment with the opportunity to make a visible contribution to fibrosis and oncology programmes We offer a competitive package including private medical insurance, pension, bonus, employee perks and more