Director, Analytical Development

About the role

Keros Therapeutics is seeking an expert in Analytical Science and Protein Characterization to join our team as Director of Analytical Development. The incumbent will lead the analytical strategy, method development, and characterization for our novel protein pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of protein characterization, hands-on laboratory experience, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability for self-motivated and independent project execution. This position requires deep expertise in modern analytical chemistry and a strong ability to translate complex data into actionable scientific decisions. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth with proven leadership experience, sound scientific judgment, and the ability to build productive partnerships across internal teams and external collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical development strategy for early to late-stage biologics programs, including Pre-Clinical, Phase I, and Phase II/III.
• Develop the strategic implementation of increasing levels of structural, physical, and advanced protein characterization in a phase-appropriate manner.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert in protein characterization and stability for phase-appropriate development of the pipeline.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process Development, and Quality teams to define and implement phase-appropriate analytical methods, specifications, and control strategies to support DS and DP.
• Advise and oversee CDMOs' analytical method development, transfer, and validation.
• Collaborate with CDMOs and CROs to develop and optimize a range of analytical assays for the release and characterization of fusion protein and mAb biologics at each stage from preclinical to commercial launch.
• Provide oversight of CDMOs and external testing laboratories, ensuring timelines, data quality, and compliance.
• Ensure analytical methods and specifications are scientifically justified, phase-appropriate, and compliant with applicable compendial standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Support comparability, stability, and characterization strategies for process changes and scale-up.
• Provide and develop laboratory-based analytical support to upstream and downstream process development to drive new and improved processes for DS production.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of scientists and analysts.
• Support cross-functional team coordinating efforts of the Technical Operations, Quality, and Regulatory to advance programs.
• Drive analytical support for regulatory submissions, including IND amendments, BLA/MAA filings, and responses to health authority questions.
• Author Analytical CMC sections of IND filings, internal SOPs, experimental procedures, training, and safety documents.

Requirements

• Experience with biologics analytical support in late-stage activities (Phase 3 and commercialization).
• Strong background in protein characterization, analytical method development, qualification/validation, and physicochemical characterization of fusion proteins and protein therapeutics.
• Deep understanding of analytical methods and data interpretation to evaluate protein structure, post-translational modifications, and characterization.
• Experience supporting transitions from discovery through IND-enabling or early clinical development is strongly valued.

Qualifications

• MS with 10+ years or PhD with 7+ years in molecular/cellular/structural biology, biochemistry, or a related field.

Skills

• Proficiency with biochemical and biophysical methods: CE (CSDS, CIEF, and CGE DNA), qPCR, potency, MFI/HIAC, DSF, DLS, DSC, and LCMS/MS peptide mapping & subunit analysis.
• Chromatography: IA, SEC, RP, HIC, and IEX.
• Glycosylation: monosaccharide, sialic acid characterization, and N-linked Glycan analysis.
• Spectroscopy: UV/Vis, luminescence.
• Experience in biochemistry techniques such as protein expression, gel electrophoresis, protein quantification assays, ELISA, cell-based assays, and enzyme kinetics.
• Understanding of molecular biology, recombinant protein expression, and construct design for affinity purification methods; familiarity with standard expression hosts such as mammalian is a plus.
• Experience in purifying proteins through recombinant processes is a plus.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work cross-functionally to achieve objectives.
• Strong work ethic, motivation, and scientific curiosity.

Pay

Potential base pay range $200,000—$226,000 USD.