Location: Redwood City, CA
Position: We're looking for a hands-on and passionate Senior Research Associate/Scientist I to join the protein purification and analytics team in the Biotherapeutics Department. This role is ideal for a scientist who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and wants to directly influence the discovery and development of next-generation biologics. As part of the protein purification and characterization team, you'll contribute to the production and characterization of therapeutic proteins and antibodies, with an emphasis on complex biologics such as bispecific and multi-specific antibodies, as well as challenging antigens. You will own purification and analytical workstreams from initial material assessment through the delivery of high-quality protein and will collaborate with protein engineering, discovery biology, and cross-functional project teams to troubleshoot molecule-specific challenges and inform candidate design and selection.
This position may be filled at the Senior Associate Scientist or Scientist I level based on relevant experience, technical depth, and demonstrated independence.
Key Responsibilities: - Execute purification workflows for mono-clonal and bispecific/multi-specific antibodies, and other therapeutic proteins, using appropriate chromatographic techniques, including affinity, IEX, HIC, SEC, and mixed modes.
- Characterize the quality of biomass and partially purified materials; analyze purity impurity distribution, aggregation, charge heterogeneity, determine expression titter, molecule identity, protein assembly quality, PTMs, and other quality attributes; develop and transfer methods at analytical scale and process scale.
- Optimize purification process for small-scale and large-scale productions to support discovery, lead optimization, and preclinical studies.
- Optimize formulation process for high concentration formulation and maintain ultra-low level or low level of endotoxin across purification and formulation instruments and devices.
- Troubleshoot production, purification, and quality challenges; identify root causes and improve process to enhance yield, purity and overall protein quality; Partner with the protein-engineering team to recommend molecule redesign and engineering solutions when production problems are tied to intrinsic sequence liabilities.
- Maintain detailed documentation of experiments, including materials, protocols, results, and conclusions, in electronic lab notebooks and technical reports. Maintain good records of protein inventory.
- Present data, conclusions, and recommendations to the Protein Sciences team/colleagues, cross-functional project teams and departmental stakeholders.
Qualifications: - BS, MS, or PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, biophysics, or a related discipline, with relevant experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical research. Typical experience may include a BS with 6+ years, an MS with 4+ years, or a PhD with 0-2+ years; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
- Strong understanding protein biochemistry, structure and folding, resin chemistry and chromatographic principles. Substantial hands-on experience purifying antibodies, recombinant proteins, or other biologics. Strong purification skills. Experience with high-throughput protein purification, e.g. Avant + CETAC, for multi-specific antibodies. Experience with automated two-step or three-step purification for multi-specific antibodies. Experience with column packing and multi-gram scale purification for mono-specific, bi-specific, and multi-specific antibodies. Experience with maintaining low to ultra-low endotoxin.
- Strong analytical skills and experience with SEC-HPLC, CIEX-HPLC, protein mass spectrometry, mass photometry, DLS, and nanoDSF.
- Familiar with protein inventory management systems, e.g. Benchling.
- Experience with human and mouse IgG based bispecific in vitro redox assembly, IgG cleavage and site-specific bioconjugation (e.g. biotinylation) is a plus
- Experience with high concentration protein formulation and viscosity measurement is a plus.
- Experience with antibody binding characterization (BLI, SPR, ELISA) is a plus
- Excellent communication skills and teamwork spirit. Enjoys hands on work and thrives in the wet lab.
This is a position that requires working in a laboratory environment with biological and chemical hazards. Protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working in the laboratory. This position requires the ability to lift containers or instruments up to 25 pounds and work standing at a fume hood or lab bench for extended periods.
Leveling ConsiderationsCandidates considered for the Senior Associate Scientist level will generally demonstrate the ability to independently execute and optimize established workflows, troubleshoot routine technical challenges, manage multiple experiments or molecules, and communicate clear conclusions and recommendations.
Candidates considered for the Scientist I level will generally demonstrate the ability to define purification and characterization strategies for assigned molecules, lead complex troubleshooting, independently own technical workstreams, connect experimental findings to molecule-design or program decisions, and operate with limited scientific guidance.
Expected Salary Range: $106,000 - $139,000.
We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there is sometimes flexibility on job level and responsibilities. Compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, internal equity, and location.
ImmunEdge offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus plan, equity, and a generous benefits package including comprehensive health (medical, dental, and vision) insurance for our employees and their families, a 401k plan, FSA plans (medical, dependent), an Employee Assistance Plan, and a holiday and paid time off plan.
