Director Molecular Biology and Protein Sciences

Celltheon is a CRO seeking a strategic and technically distinguished Director to lead and integrate Molecular Biology and Downstream Process Development
, reporting directly to the CTO.

This role will oversee construct engineering, and downstream purification strategy across recombinant therapeutic protein programs.

The position requires deep technical expertise combined with cross-functional leadership, platform vision, and operational rigor to support both internal pipeline and client programs.

• Define integrated development strategies linking construct design, expression systems, and purification architecture.
• Establish scalable, modular purification platforms aligned with Celltheon's expression technologies.
• Drive innovation across both molecular biology and downstream processing.
• Contribute to long-term technology roadmap and capability expansion under CTO guidance.
• Lead cloning, gene optimization, and construct engineering for mAbs, bispecifics, Fc-fusions, ADC intermediates, and difficult-to-express proteins.
• Ensure construct strategies are aligned with expression performance and downstream manufacturability.
• Standardize workflows, QC checkpoints, and documentation practices.
• Evaluate and implement emerging genetic engineering technologies.

• Architect purification platforms (1–3 column processes) tailored to molecular complexity and client requirements.
• Oversee development of bench-scale unit operations including harvest clarification, filtration, chromatography (Protein A, CEX, AEX, HIC, IMAC, SEC, mixed-mode), and UF/DF.
• Drive automation initiatives (Hamilton or similar systems) to enhance throughput and reproducibility.
• Guide scale-up, process robustness studies, and manufacturing tech transfer.

• Integrate analytical characterization (Protein A HPLC, SEC, CEX, RP-HPLC, glycan analysis, SDS-PAGE) into development workflows.
• Ensure regulatory-ready documentation, SOP governance, and data integrity standards.
• Support CMC strategy and client technical packages.

• Build and mentor high-performing teams across both functional areas.
• Establish KPIs, milestone tracking, and program governance systems.
• Serve as senior scientific representative in client engagements.
• Drive a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

• MS or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience across molecular biology and downstream process development.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Deep expertise in recombinant protein construct design and chromatographic purification.
• Proven experience scaling processes from development to pilot/manufacturing.
• Strong CMC documentation and technology transfer experience.
• Executive-level communication skills.

Celltheon Corporation is CRO and an expression technologies company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in recombinant therapeutic proteins including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, Fabs, Fc-fusions, and difficult-to-express proteins.

Reporting directly to the CTO, this Director role is central to advancing Celltheon's integrated gene-to-material platform and strengthening its position as a premier partner in therapeutic protein development.