Scientist II, Protein Engineering

ThermoFisher Scientific; Leiden; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in Leiden, Netherlands, seeks a Scientist II with a strong background in protein engineering to develop next-generation affinity ligands for biologics purification. You will design and execute protein-engineering experiments, screen antibody fragments, and work closely with cross-functional R&D teams to advance early discovery through development.

You will apply computational and AI-enabled tools, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to project planning and

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related life-sciences.
• Experience in protein engineering, preferably in biotech or applied academic research.
• Experience planning, executing and interpreting experiments independently.
• Strong attention to detail and lab safety protocols.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication; Dutch is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute protein-engineering experiments to improve ligand performance.
• Apply computational protein engineering, structural modeling, bioinformatics, and AI tools to support design.
• Screen and characterize antibody fragments using display technologies.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends and guide iterative engineering cycles.
• Coordinate experimental activities and track progress within workstreams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary R&D teams and share knowledge.
• Stay informed about scientific developments to strengthen the antibody-engineering platform.

Skills

Protein engineering

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Project collaboration

English communication

Dutch language (advantage)

Education

MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry

BSc with antibody engineering experience

Tools

Phage display

Yeast display

SPR

BLI

FPLC

Automated liquid handling

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Laboratory Setting

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a Scientist II with a strong background in protein engineering and relevant experience in an R&D environment. As part of the Ligand Discovery department, you will join a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation antibody-based affinity ligands for the purification of biologics.

In this role, you will apply your expertise in protein engineering, molecular biology and biochemistry to develop and characterize antibody fragments with defined binding properties. Working closely with colleagues across R&D, you will design, execute and interpret experiments that contribute to the development of innovative affinity ligands.

In addition, you will take ownership of defined scientific workstreams, identify technical challenges, propose practical solutions, and contribute to project discussions and scientific decision-making. You will contribute to the development of new products from early discovery through development while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.

What you will do:

• Design, plan and execute protein-engineering experiments to improve the performance of affinity ligands.
• Apply computational protein engineering, structural modeling, bioinformatics, and AI-enabled software tools to support ligand design and optimization.
• Screen and characterize antibody fragments using protein-display technologies such as phage display or yeast display.
• Analyze and integrate large experimental, sequence, and screening datasets to identify trends, generate actionable insights, and guide iterative engineering cycles
• Contribute to project planning, coordinate experimental activities, and track progress within assigned workstreams.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across R&D.
• Share knowledge and support colleagues and junior team members where appropriate.
• Stay informed about scientific and technological developments and evaluate new approaches that can strengthen our antibody-engineering platform.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related life-sciences discipline. BSc candidates with extensive experience in antibody engineering may also be considered.
• Relevant experience in protein engineering, preferably within the biotechnology industry or applied academic research.
• Experience independently planning, executing and interpreting scientific experiments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to laboratory safety protocols
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of Dutch is considered an advantage.

Required Technical Experience:

• Protein engineering, preferably in combination with display technologies.
• Molecular cloning and protein expression in microbial expression systems.
• Proficiency with data analysis software and statistical tools
• Immunological assays, such as ELISA.

Preferred Technical Experience:

• Experience with antibodies or antibody fragments.
• Experience with SPR or BLI for the analysis of protein-protein interactions.
• Experience with with automated liquid handling systems and high-throughput workflows.
• Experience with protein purification using FPLC.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.