Principal Scientist, Protein Therapeutics

Role Summary

The Biologics Engineering group within the Protein Therapeutics department is responsible for the optimization and engineering of large molecule drug candidates. The Principal Scientist will independently oversee biologics projects from protein design to lead optimization, manage multiple discovery projects, and advance engineering technologies to enable large molecule drug development. Collaboration across multiple function groups is essential in this matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of protein engineers to design and engineer innovative protein therapeutics addressing unmet medical needs through differentiated mechanisms of action
• Drive rapid optimization of novel antibody and protein therapeutics through iterative design, build, test, and learn cycles
• Represent the Protein Therapeutics department on interdisciplinary project teams and guide preclinical development of large molecule therapeutics
• Independently carry out lead sequence optimization of large molecules using rational and in silico design approaches, including design of multispecifics, immunocytokines, and fusion proteins
• Communicate transparently and timely to key stakeholders to build strong partnerships and collaborative experiences
• Thrive in a fast-paced, data-driven, and scientifically rigorous environment
• Maintain compliance with company policies and record keeping

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in biochemistry, structural biology, or a related field with 6+ years (postdoctoral training preferred) OR M.S. with 8+ years (16+ years preferred) OR B.S. with 10+ years (18+ years preferred) of additional experience in an academic or industrial setting and a track record of high-impact publications or patents
• Preferred: Extensive experience advancing protein therapeutics from discovery to development; stays current with emerging protein engineering platforms and technologies
• Preferred: Expertise in structure-based protein engineering and design of multispecifics, immunocytokines, Fc engineering, and fusion proteins
• Preferred: Skilled in antibody engineering including humanization, sequence liability remediation, and/or biophysical property improvement
• Preferred: Project leadership experience in Research across multiple therapeutic areas, with understanding of hit-to-lead selection through preclinical development
• Preferred: Presentation and high-impact publication record with demonstrable protein engineering expertise
• Preferred: Proficiency in molecular biology and library-building techniques (e.g., PCR assembly, vector design, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate cloning) and hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, protein expression, purification, and characterization; in vitro and in vivo antibody discovery is a plus
• Preferred: Experience with computational design tools (e.g., Rosetta, MOE, DiscoveryStudio)
• Preferred: Team player with strong collaboration, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Skills

• Protein engineering
• Structure-based design
• Antibody engineering and humanization
• Multispecifics and fusion proteins design
• In silico design and computational tools (Rosetta, MOE, DiscoveryStudio)
• Molecular biology techniques and library construction
• Cell culture, protein expression, purification, and characterization
• Cross-functional collaboration and project leadership