Scientist - Molecular Validation, Fixed term contract 12 months

Enara Bio is shining a light on Dark Antigen® and T-cell biology to develop cancer immunotherapies designed to improve treatment outcomes for broad populations of cancer patients with solid tumors. Our pioneering EDAPT® platform enables us to discover cancer-specific antigens, including HLA-presented and cell surface antigens, from previously uncharted genomic ‘dark matter’. The result is a growing library of Dark Antigens that can address the need for novel, cancer-specific targets in solid tumors. Through our proprietary EnTiCE® platform, Enara is developing novel bispecific T cell engagers against Dark Antigen targets that are highly prevalent and homogenously expressed across solid tumors.

Based in Oxford, UK, Enara Bio is backed by a strong syndicate of life science investors including RA Capital, Pfizer Ventures, M Ventures, Samsara BioCapital, SV Health Investors, and the Francis Crick Institute.

Role Overview 

We are seeking a Scientist to join our Molecular Validation team on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity cover and additional laboratory capacity during a period of increased activity and team absences.

The role will support target validation activities across Discovery and Preclinical programmes, with a particular focus on molecular and tissue-based techniques including in situ hybridisation (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), support RT-qPCR and related molecular biology approaches. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists across Discovery, Translational Research and Product Pipeline teams to ensure delivery of key programme milestones.

Role Requirements 

• Perform molecular validation experiments to support target discovery and development programmes.

• Conduct and optimise cell and tissue-based assays including:

  • In situ hybridisation (ISH)

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required:

Essential

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Immunology or a related life science discipline, or equivalent industrial experience.

• Experience performing and troubleshooting tissue-based assays such as ISH, IHC and/or IF.

• Experience working with human tissue samples, FFPE and/or Fresh frozen.

• Familiarity with image analysis software and statistical data analysis.

• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques.

• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience in oncology, discovery or translational research.

• Knowledge of biomarker discovery or target validation workflows.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative and team oriented.

• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced research environment.

• Proactive problem solver with a strong scientific curiosity.

• Comfortable balancing multiple priorities and changing project needs.

• Committed to high scientific standards and data quality.

What Success Looks Like

• Effective transfer and retention of key Molecular Validation knowledge during maternity leave cover.

• Continued delivery of Discovery and Preclinical programme milestones.

• High-quality execution of molecular validation assays with minimal supervision.

• Strong partnership with internal stakeholders and effective contribution across multiple projects.

Application process:

• Applications close on Friday 31 July 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis and may schedule initial screening calls ahead of the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

• In‑person interviews: Tuesday 18 August 2026 in Oxford

• Start date: as soon as possible.

• Due to the short-term nature of this fixed-term contract, we are unfortunately unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract. 

Further information:

The Enara Bio team is driven to make a meaningful difference for people affected by cancer. Our culture is defined by our behavioural ethos:

Empowerment: We promote autonomy across Enara rejecting conventional hierarchy. We engage each other through transparency, collaboration and trust. We each take action with a deep sense of personal and shared accountability.

Courage: We push boundaries in all that we do to deliver on our purpose. We make bold decisions, embrace risk and tackle challenges to advance our novel science. Courage is essential for everything we do.

Humility: We are proud of and excited by our novel science, but we acknowledge that we cannot know everything. Our curiosity drives us to continually learn from each other & the outside world irrespective of our role or title. We give and receive feedback with no room for ego.

Growth: We invest in our people, culture and community to foster belonging as a foundation for success. We embrace individual development to create deeper personal fulfilment and drive stronger collective impact.

We offer a competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a benefits package including pension and health insurance.

Enara Bio Limited is an equal opportunities employer.