Scientist , Biotherapeutics

Position Summary

Pharma Essentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Scientist I, Biotherapeutics to join the Biologics Platform team. The successful candidate will support discovery and early development of innovative biologic therapeutics, including antibodies, cytokines, multi‑specifics, and T cell engagers. This role will focus on the identification, characterization, and optimization of lead candidates through integrated protein engineering, immune‑cell assay development, and mechanism‑of‑action studies.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in protein, immunology, and/or cancer biology, along with hands‑on experience designing and/or evaluating therapeutic molecules in immunology or immuno‑oncology discovery projects. As a valued contributor to a growing and dynamic team, this individual will help drive our mission to develop transformative therapies for patients.

• Contribute to pipeline program and discovery project work streams supporting target validation, candidate selection, and lead candidate optimization.
• Collaborate with internal research teams, external partners, and CROs to integrate experimental data with candidate selection criteria.
• Prepare high‑quality internal presentations, scientific reports, external publications, or conference presentations, as appropriate.
• Stay current with emerging advances in immuno‑oncology and relevant therapeutic modalities and communicate key findings internally.
• Provide scientific input within project teams and support the training or mentorship of junior team members.

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology or a related scientific discipline, with 0–2 years of relevant post‑PhD experience in an academic or industry research setting.
• Experience with antibody, multi‑specific, or other protein‑based therapeutics, including formatting, production, characterization (e.g., affinity, epitope, develop ability), and functional evaluation.
• Hands‑on experience designing, executing, and interpreting immune cell‑based assays, including flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, co‑cultures, and other immunoassays.
• Demonstrated ability to independently advance scientific projects, collaborate cross‑functionally, and communicate scientific findings clearly through written reports, presentations, publications, patents, or related scientific outputs.
• Proficiency with data analysis and molecular biology software, such as Flow Jo, Graph Pad Prism, Geneious, etc.
• Collaborative, flexible, and team‑oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic research environment.

• Experience in cancer immunology and immuno‑oncology.
• Working knowledge of emerging and established protein engineering technologies such as AI/ML‑based protein optimization, structure‑based rational mutagenesis, or combinatorial display‑based technologies such as yeast and phage.
• Working knowledge of in vivo tumor model design, data analysis, interpretation, and translational relevance.

At Pharma Essentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.