Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated protein scientist for an Assistant Director or Associate Director role to lead and advance protein discovery and production efforts supporting protein-oligonucleotide conjugate programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, engineering, expression, purification, and characterization of protein ligands and protein fusion constructs intended for protein-oligonucleotide conjugates

• Translate hits from primary screening campaigns into optimized lead molecules with improved expression, stability, manufacturability, and functional performance

• Develop and execute protein production strategies, selecting fit-for-purpose platforms based on construct requirements and downstream use

• Design fusion proteins and other engineered constructs suitable for scale-up and conjugation workflows

• Oversee purification and analytical characterization of recombinant proteins, including assessment of integrity, aggregation, binding, and stability

• Work closely with oligonucleotide chemistry and conjugation teams to ensure protein constructs are compatible with conjugation requirements and downstream process needs

• Drive experimental strategy, data interpretation, and decision-making across multiple programs

• Mentor scientists and research associates as appropriate and contribute to building scientific capability in protein engineering and production

• Present results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership

• Hands-on laboratory based effort will be expected

Requirements

• PhD in protein science, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or related discipline, with relevant industry experience

• For the Assistant Director position, at least 5 years of relevant industry experience

• For the Associate Director position, at least 8 years of relevant experience

• Significant hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification in both microbial and mammalian systems

• Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering and design, including construct optimization for expression, stability, and function

• Strong track record of advancing protein molecules from early discovery or screening through lead optimization and scale-up

• Experience generating and evaluating protein fusions or other complex engineered protein formats

• Experience with analytical methods used for protein characterization

• Strong scientific judgment, experimental rigor, and problem-solving ability in a fast-moving research environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across disciplines

• Excellent track record of publications

• Able to manage multiple assignments effectively in a quickly evolving environment

• An entrepreneurial spirit; enthusiasm and vision for converting cutting-edge science into commercial applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting protein-based ligand discovery programs

• Experience with protein constructs intended for bioconjugation or oligonucleotide conjugation

• Familiarity with protein structure-guided design, computational design tools, or directed evolution approaches

• Experience scaling protein production to support preclinical or development-stage studies

• Prior leadership experience in matrixed, cross-functional research teams

• Experience working at the interface of protein engineering, conjugation chemistry, and therapeutic platform development