GPCR Biologist — Antibody Discovery & Engineering

Our client is an AI-driven biotech startup integrating high-throughput biology with generative AI to discover and develop antibody therapeutics with exceptional speed and quality. Through multiple pharma partnerships, the platform has been validated to deliver best-in-class, differentiated antibodies that are difficult to identify using traditional approaches including antibodies against targets long considered "undruggable" with biologics, such as GPCRs.

Position Summary:

Our client is seeking a GPCR biologist to join their Antibody Therapeutics team and help build out a growing effort to target G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with next-generation antibody therapeutics, spanning receptor agonists, antagonists, allosteric modulators, and internalizing biparatopic approaches. This role sits at the intersection of classical GPCR pharmacology and antibody engineering: someone who genuinely understands receptor signaling not just binding and can translate that mechanistic insight into differentiated antibody design.

This is a rare, high-impact opportunity to shape a novel area of the company's antibody pipeline within a fast-growing, AI-driven biotherapeutics company focused on cardiometabolic, immunology, and CNS disease. This is a bench-facing, on-site position based in Irvine, CA. Level is flexible, Scientist through Director, with final title determined based on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and drive discovery and engineering of antibodies against GPCR targets, including agonist, antagonist, allosteric modulator, and internalizing/biparatopic approaches.
• Apply deep knowledge of GPCR structure and downstream signaling G-protein coupling, beta-arrestin recruitment, biased agonism, receptor internalization to guide antibody design, screening, and candidate selection strategy.
• Develop and execute functional assays (e.g. cAMP, calcium flux, BRET/FRET-based beta-arrestin recruitment, radioligand binding, receptor internalization) to characterize the mechanism of action of antibody candidates.
• Partner closely with protein engineering, structural biology, and computational/AI teams to translate GPCR biology insight into next-generation antibody design.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with in vitro and in vivo pharmacology teams to advance GPCR-targeted candidates toward IND-enabling studies.
• Present experimental results, mechanistic rationale, and program strategy to project teams and leadership.
• Stay current with GPCR biology, receptor pharmacology, and antibody engineering literature and technologies.

Professional

Experience and Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Pharmacology, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline, with hands-on GPCR research experience. Years of experience are flexible candidates from Scientist through Director level will be considered.
• Deep working knowledge of GPCR signaling biology, including G-protein coupling, beta-arrestin pathways, biased agonism, allosteric modulation, and receptor internalization mechanisms is a must.
• Direct experience with GPCR functional/pharmacology assays (cAMP, calcium mobilization, BRET/FRET-based recruitment assays, radioligand binding, etc.) is a must.
• Antibody engineering or antibody discovery experience is strongly preferred; at minimum, genuine enthusiasm for and ability to partner closely with antibody engineers is essential.
• Track record of advancing GPCR-targeted programs from mechanistic understanding into validated candidate molecules.
• Self-motivated, hands-on, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, early-stage biotech environment without reliance on large-company infrastructure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex mechanistic and pharmacology data clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Compensation:
Competitive and commensurate with experience and level, including salary, equity, and benefits.

Why Join:

• Work on one of the genuinely novel, differentiated frontiers of antibody discovery GPCRs have been historically intractable for biologics, and this platform is built to go after them.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive healthcare coverage, equity participation, family leave, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan.
• A dynamic, early-stage, highly interdisciplinary team with a collaborative, innovation-driven culture and genuine ownership over your area of science.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, and cross-functional immersion in a fast-scaling antibody discovery platform.