Scientist/Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

Key Responsibilities

• Design and generate novel cell-based and biochemical assays as well as associated cell lines for use in functional screening of lead biologics (e.g. reporter assays for specific target signaling).
• Develop and implement high throughput cell-free expression of antigens and Ab-based binder molecules for fast screening of lead molecules.
• Design and execute on display-based protein engineering campaigns of binder and effector molecules including affinity modulation, stability optimization, and development of novel properties (e.g. pH, epitope masking, etc.).
• Optimize methods to efficiently execute functional screening and protein engineering campaigns (e.g. library generation and sample preparation, NGS sequencing, flow cytometry-based lead selection, etc.).
• Design novel platforms for faster evaluation and screening of immune-based repertoires from immunized animal sources or display methods for use in both discovery and protein engineering campaigns.
• Utilize data analysis tools to evaluate large datasets to inform iterative protein design.
• Stay updated on advancements in instrumentation, software, and methodologies, currently utilized in high throughput screening and display-based protein engineering.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement solutions to optimize lead molecules, ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the discovery and optimization process. Utilize LIMS system and maintain accurate and timely records and meet internal reporting standards.
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), perform general laboratory duties, prepare experiment designs and execute data analyses.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in bioengineering, biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field. 3+ year industrial drug development experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience using generating novel cell lines and/or assay development.
• Experience in utilizing display technologies (yeast/phage) to discover and engineer novel binders and lead molecules of different classes (e.g. Ab, Fab, scFv, VHHs, etc.).
• Extensive experience in FACS-based selection and sorting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more of the following workstreams: library design and generation, display-based selection, protein engineering, and assay development.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, FlowJo,) and statistical analysis of experimental results.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.