Scientist​/Senior Scientist - TCR engineering and TCE development

Position: Scientist / Senior Scientist - TCR engineering and TCE development
Overview

We are a well-funded biotech startup that has developed a suite of proprietary technologies combining ultrahigh throughput single cell functional screening with computational AI models to advance immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. We are looking for a protein engineering scientist with experience in TCR affinity maturation and T cell engager (TCE) development to join our interdisciplinary team. The candidate should adapt quickly and communicate well in a fast-paced startup environment and collaborate with other team members.

Responsibilities

• Design libraries and perform TCR affinity maturation using yeast or phage display.

• Lead TCR engineering efforts for enhanced affinity, specificity, and stability.

• Partner with AI/ML scientists to design sequences and libraries, contributing to iterative design-build-test cycles to advance therapeutic candidates.

• Collaborate with the team to develop TCEs and conduct in vitro functional assays to assess efficacy and safety.

• Work with CRO on TCR/TCE production and binding characterization.

Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field.

• Expertise in display technologies (yeast or phage), and high-throughput TCR/antibody screening.

• Experience in TCR, antibody or protein engineering, including affinity maturation, deep mutational scanning, cross-reactivity, and biophysical property optimization.

• Experience with TCR/antibody library construction, screening, and binding measurement.

• Fundamental understanding of TCR/antibody and structure-function relationships.

• Familiarity with protein structure analysis tools (PyMOL, Chimera, MOE).

• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, take initiative, and drive projects forward independently.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bispecific antibodies and format screening.

• Background in T Cell Engager development.

• Experience with mammalian expression systems and protein purification techniques.

Compensation and Benefits

• $120,000 - $160,000 (depending on depth of expertise) + 10% performance bonus + equity.

• 4% 401K match;
Daily lunches;
Commuter benefits;
Unlimited snacks and drinks.

• Disability Insurance, Life Insurance;
Workplace Insurance.

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