Principal Scientist, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Antibody Generation

Description

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking a highly skilled Principal Scientist to lead the in vitro antibody discovery team within the Biotherapeutics Discovery organization in Ridgefield, CT. In this lab‑head role, the selected candidate will define and execute innovative in vitro strategies for phage and yeast display campaigns that drive therapeutic lead identification. The role includes developing and advancing discovery workflows that integrate automation, high‑throughput screening, next‑generation sequencing (NGS), and AI/ML‑enabled approaches to enhance hit quality, accelerate timelines, and expand accessible sequence and functional diversity.

This position combines scientific leadership with platform stewardship, encompassing staff mentorship, program‑level strategic contributions, and the maintenance of strong external scientific visibility through publications, presentations, and collaborations.

• Lead a scientific team responsible for generating novel antibodies using cutting‑edge in vitro discovery platforms, including phage and yeast display, machine‑learning–guided library evolution, and in silico antibody discovery and screening tools.
• Design and construct high‑diversity antibody display libraries (phage and yeast) for therapeutic lead identification and affinity maturation.
• Design and implement innovative in vitro antibody discovery strategies, including panning, high‑throughput screening, and NGS‑guided hit prioritization, while integrating AI‑accelerated hit identification and automated workflows.
• Keep the team at the forefront of emerging discovery technologies, including deep‑learning–based binder prediction, ML‑guided library design, and structure‑enabled computational workflows, making recommendations to advance Boehringer Ingelheim’s internal capabilities.
• Drive a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, curiosity, and external visibility through publications, conference presentations, and collaborative partnerships.
• Demonstrate familiarity with advanced theory and current developments in antibody discovery and make recommendations to management regarding the advancement of capabilities.
• Show clear understanding of research team goals and work effectively toward achieving them, participating as co‑leader or representative on multiple project teams and contributing to defining expertise‑related aspects of overall program goals.
• Partner with protein engineering, bioinformatics, translational sciences, and therapeutic area groups to ensure alignment of antibody design with program goals, including develop ability, functional activity, and manufacturability.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records consistent with SOPs and regulatory expectations.
• Prepare and deliver clear, compelling technical reports, presentations, and scientific communication to internal leadership and external scientific audiences.
• Contribute to departmental administration and demonstrate fiscal responsibility with respect to cost of experiments, technology, external collaborations, and travel.

• PhD plus five (5) years’ industry experience in a related field or equivalent.
• Expertise in phage, yeast, or mammalian display technologies; deep experience in molecular biology, NGS analysis, and antibody library construction.
• Experience with bioinformatics, computational structural biology, or AI/ML‑based sequence or structure modeling strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with software such as Geneious, Gene Data Biologics, Pipe Bio or similar tools.
• One to three years of experience leading employees and projects preferred.
• Strong project management ability and excellent written and oral presentation skills.

• Experience in one or more of the skills listed above, knowledge of the skill center process, and ability to apply those skills to the process.
• Willingness and ability to engage in international travel and collaboration.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and post‑offer physical (if required).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

This position offers a base salary typically between $ and $ USD. The position may be eligible for a role‑specific variable or performance‑based bonus and or other compensation elements. For an overview of our benefits please .