Principal Scientist (all geneders) - Antibody Lead Discovery

Bayer AG; Wuppertal; Hybrid; EUR 104,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Financial stability

Flexible work model

Childcare support

Professional growth

Health checks

Inclusive environment

Job summary

Bayer AG in Germany seeks a Principal Scientist (all genders) in Antibody Lead Discovery to drive discovery and optimization of innovative antibody candidates. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, applying AI/machine learning and structural biology tools to generate potent leads and manage external collaborations.

The role emphasizes leadership, project ownership, and a strong emphasis on IP development, safety, and compliance within a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Long-term professional experience in biologics drug discovery.
• Solid understanding of hit-to-lead and lead optimization up to a preclinical development candidate, including bispecific antibody development.
• Proven scientific and project leadership skills in cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Share responsibility and ownership for project and development goals throughout the discovery process as a cross-functional team member and project leader.
• Provide innovative biologics solutions to address unmet needs and act as an expert for project teams to design differentiated drugs.
• Lead and guide antibody generation and optimization to develop new, potent, innovative leads aligned with the target product profile and initiate drug discovery projects.
• Apply fit-for-purpose AI/machine learning and structural biology tools for lead generation and optimization.
• Bring state-of-the-art approaches to antibody lead discovery, design, and optimization using internal capabilities and CROs.
• Manage CRO work packages and external collaborations.
• Communicate results to cross-functional stakeholders through reports, visualizations, and presentations; generate IP and ensure safety/compliance.

Skills

Fluent English

German language

Education

PhD in biochemistry/immunology/biotechnology

Job description

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At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Principal Scientist (all geneders) - Antibody Lead Discovery

Do you feel inspired by pushing the boundaries of drug discovery to develop transformative medicines for patients ? In this role, you drive the discovery and optimization of innovative antibody drug candidates and take shared ownership for project goals across the discovery process. As a scientific and project leader, you collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and apply modern technologies such as AI/machine learning and structural biology. If you thrive in self-organized teams and enjoy accountability across the value chain, we look forward to your application.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Share responsibility and ownership for project and development candidate goals throughout the discovery process as a cross-functional team member and project leader
• Provide innovative biologics solutions to address unmet needs and act as an expert for project teams to design differentiated drugs
• Lead and guide antibody generation and optimization to develop new, potent, innovative leads aligned with the target product profile, and initiate drug discovery projects
• Apply fit-for-purpose AI/machine learning and structural biology tools for lead generation and optimization
• Bring state-of-the-art approaches to antibody lead discovery, design, and optimization using internal capabilities and/or CROs
• Manage CRO work packages and external collaborations
• Collaborate efficiently with other research units (e.g., disease area discovery units) on screening, characterization, selection, and structured data exchange for effective decision-making
• Communicate results to cross-functional stakeholders through concise reports, visualizations, and presentations; generate and secure intellectual property and ensure safety/compliance and efficient resource management

WHO YOU ARE

• Hold a PhD in biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, or a related field
• Bring long-term professional experience in biologics drug discovery with strong knowledge of the field and industry practices
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of hit-to-lead and lead optimization up to a preclinical development candidate, including bispecific antibody development
• Proven scientific and project leadership skills in cross-functional research environments
• Experience developing biologics in one or more of the following areas: cardiovascular/renal, oncology, or immunology
• Sound understanding of the research landscape and market understanding
• Strong knowledge of antibody discovery processes and cutting edge technologies including innovative tools such as Ai/Machine Learning and large dataset analysis
• Excellent problem-solving skills; strong communication and negotiation abilities; intercultural skills and team orientation
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; German language skills are a plus

WHAT WE OFFER

Our benefits package is flexible, appreciative, and tailored to your lifestyle, because: What matters to you, matters to us!

• We ensure yourfinancial stability with a competitive salary between 104.300€ and 126.500€ per year (full-time) plus a variable component. Your compensation is based on your qualifications, skills, and professional experience.
• Whether it’s hybrid work models or part‑time arrangements: Whenever it is possible, you will have the flexibility to work how, when and where it is best for you.
• Your family is a top priority. We offer loving company daycare centers at multiple locations, support in finding childcare, time off for the care of elderly or dependent family members, summer camps for children, and much more.
• We support yourprofessional growth by providing access to learning and development opportunities, training programs through the Bayer Learning Academy, development dialogues, as well as coaching and mentoring programs.
• We promotehealth awareness and opportunities for self‑care through various measures, such as free health checks with the company doctor.
• We embrace diversity by providing aninclusive work environment in which you are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

YOUR APPLICATION

This is your opportunity to tackle the world’s biggest challenges with us: Maintaining our health, feeding growing populations and slowing the rate of climate change. You have a voice, ideas and perspectives and we want to hear them. Because our success begins with you. Be part of something big. Be Bayer.
Bayer welcomes applications from all individuals, regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, union membership, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

Location: Germany : North Rhine Westfalia : Wuppertal-Aprath || Germany : Berlin : Berlin