Epitopea – Client Case Study

Building a high-achieving founding science team at pace.

Disciplines: Science

Client Overview: Epitopea is a Cambridge-based start-up focused on developing therapeutics targeting a novel class of tumour-specific antigens.

The Challenge

As a growing biotech company, Epitopea needed to assemble a founding scientific team capable of establishing lab protocols while meeting c-suite and investor timelines.

They required:

• A Director of Immunology to lead the team.
• Three senior scientists skilled in immuno-oncology, specifically the tumour microenvironment.
• A Senior Immunologist to strengthen research capability.

The challenge was to secure niche scientific talent quickly, ensuring the right mix of technical expertise and cultural alignment to lay the foundation for future growth.

Our Approach / Solution

Leveraging our scientific background and deep understanding of Epitopea’s goals, we:

• Conducted targeted headhunting to identify top-tier, niche talent in immuno-oncology.
• Focused on candidates with proven experience in tumour microenvironment research and leadership capability.
• Maintained close collaboration with Epitopea to align on timelines and expectations.

The Outcome

• Successfully placed a high-calibre founding science team within the required timeframe.
• Roles filled included a Director of Immunology and multiple senior scientists.
• Business impact – enabled Epitopea to establish lab protocols and meet critical milestones for investors and leadership.
• We continue to support their hiring needs as the company expands.

Roles Filled

• Director of Immunology
• Senior Immunologist
• Senior Scientists (Immuno-oncology)

ADLIB Team involved:

• ADLIB Science Recruitment team