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SalaryArena BioWorks, located in Cambridge, MA, is a new biomedical research institute focused on uncovering the mechanisms of human disease to identify opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The Institute's private funding model allows Arena to advance novel therapeutics by forming and supporting biotech companies up to early clinical/ Series B stage.
As a Senior/Principal Scientist working in the Antibody Engineering group, you will focus on antibody optimization to drive therapeutic development for novel therapeutic targets that emerge from the company's internal target ID engine. This role entails assisting in hit identification, characterization, and optimization of antibody candidates at scale to support clinical development, as well as contributing to additional critical functions across a highly matrixed Protein Therapeutics team. The ideal candidate is expected to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, smoothly collaborate with other Arena BioWorks research teams to explore novel biology, support internal discovery projects and skillfully manage a team.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead optimization campaigns for new antibodies emerging from Arena BioWorks discovery efforts against novel targets representing new axes of disease biology.
- Working collaboratively with selection scientists, protein scientists, biochemists, and biologists, you will develop and optimize workflows to optimize antibody potency, selectivity, and format at the early-stage optimization and downstream development phases of antibody drug discovery.
- Deploy display-based approaches, in vitro biochemistry and biophysics, novel assay design and/or computation methods where necessary to support ongoing therapeutic development efforts.
- Generate data in a timely manner; individually support and/or lead optimization at the project level.
- Oversight of laboratory technicians, research assistants, and fellows participating in projects, including assistance in training, experimental design, and implementation.
- Assume additional responsibilities as needed across the Protein Therapeutics Group.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field, with at least 5–10 years postgraduate experience in an academic or industry setting.
- Demonstrated experience in the biochemical characterization of antibodies for potency, specificity, and stability optimization as well as antibody-antigen characterization techniques (e.g. epitope mapping). Deep expertise in auxiliary technologies (FACS-based selections; next-generation sequencing; SPR/BLI and nanoDSF for protein characterization) is highly desirable.
- Expertise in alternative antibody formats, Fc-engineering, and/or antibody bioconjugation is critical as is the incorporation of key biochemistry and biophysics approaches into the Antibody Engineering workflow.
- Experience and willingness to integrate in silico methods (immuno-informatics, computational design, and emerging AI/ML methods) to accelerate protein engineering and antibody optimization at the benchtop.
- Highly adaptable, strong problem solver, with the ability to innovate and a passion for collaboration.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills.
- Highly organized and proficient in documentation, LIMS, and presentation of data.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities in response to changing deadlines and needs of the lab.
- Possesses an eager, proactive and collaborative approach to each day; must be a self-starter and persistent in achieving objectives to support our scientific and business goals.
