Scientist I, Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics

Position Summary

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

The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in protein biochemistry with hands-on experience in phage, yeast, or mammalian display and/or AI-assisted protein design for antibody discovery and optimization. The ideal candidate is also a technical expert in evaluating biotherapeutics via SPR, BLI, ELISA, flow cytometry and immuno-assays. 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 Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology or a related scientific discipline, with 0-2 years of relevant post-PhD experience in an industry or academic research setting
• Hands-on experience with antibody discovery and optimization via combinatorial library-based technologies such as phage, yeast or mammalian display
• Experience with antibody, multi-specific, or other protein-based therapeutics, including formatting, production and high-throughput characterization via affinity (SPR, BLI, Carterra), epitope, develop ability and cellular functional assays (cytotoxicity, antibody internalization, MSD assay)
• 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, Snapgene, etc
• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic research environment

• Working knowledge of emerging and established protein engineering technologies such as AI/ML-based protein design and optimization (RF diffusion, pMPNN, Alpha Fold, Rosetta, MOE, structure-based rational mutagenesis, etc.)
• Computational expertise in NGS data analysis.
• Working knowledge of structural biology, T cell and B cell biology, cancer immunology and immuno-oncology.

At Pharma Essentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.