- Identify and actively manage strategic external partners to facilitate antibody discovery for identified target(s).
- Interface with Scientific strategy to propose/identify oncology and/or bispecific targets based on unmet clinical need and competitive landscape to guide discovery activities.
- Identify and prioritize oncology targets through literature review, data analysis, and experimental validation to support the discovery and preclinical development of biotherapeutic candidates.
- Design and execute experiments to generate bispecific and multi-valent antibodies including cloning, expression, purification and characterization to advise on feasibility of platform for development purposes.
- Produce high-quality bispecifics, antibodies and recombinant proteins to support the group’s discovery and prioritization efforts.
- Evaluate, select, manage, and track activities of external CROs needed to support antibody generation and protein production/characterization needs.
- Play a key role in assessing protein structure/function as applied toward the evaluation of biologics for developability.
- Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Initial role will be directing work with internal and external collaborators, and CROs/CMOs.
- May directly supervise employee(s) in the future.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Education:
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in related scientific discipline such as chemical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, molecular & cellular biology, or biophysics and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry; or,
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience:
- Background and knowledge in the field of therapeutic intervention in oncology with demonstrated track record of innovative target proposals and dual targeting bispecific molecules.
- Experience with antibody discovery and engineering platforms is highly desirable.
- Experience with state-of-the art technologies to support, guide and manage antibody generation efforts at external CROs.
- Experience and knowledge in mammalian cell culture and mammalian protein expression.
- Experienced in the purification of proteins, antibodies and bispecific molecules of various formats using various modes of chromatography (affinity, size-exclusion, ion-exchange and HIC).
- Hands on laboratory experience in protein, antibody and bispecific molecule characterization.
- Experience writing summaries, reports, presenting scientific data/results to internal and external collaborators.
- Background in oncology.
- Solid understanding of external CRO’s that provide antibody discovery services.
- Thorough knowledge of bispecific scaffolds and their implications towards designing a well-behaved developable biologic.
- Solid understanding of mammalian protein/antibody expression, structure, activity, and biochemical/biophysical characterization.
- Ability to set goals with an understanding of priorities and impact to program, the department and the organization.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with external CRO scientists and representatives.
- Candidate must be a self-starter and have the ability to function effectively in a matrixed organization.
- Appreciation of critical path activities and resource prioritization that support project progression.
- Prior experience with electronic laboratory notebook documentation and workflow management is a plus.
- Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office.
- Exposures encountered: Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals/materials.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.