Associate Director - Protein Sciences

EPM Scientific; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

EPM Scientific is assisting a stealth-mode biotechnology client in San Francisco to recruit a senior scientist to lead antibody characterization, developability assessments, and early CMC efforts. The role blends hands-on protein sciences with CRO/CDMO oversight and IND-enabling development, with leadership growth potential.

The candidate will work closely with the CSO, help build the development organization, and collaborate across US/China teams, including frequent cross-functional meetings

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is highly preferred; MS/BS with substantial related experience considered.
• Experience with therapeutic antibodies and protein biologics is required.
• Strong track record in antibody characterization and developability assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead characterization and developability assessments of antibody/protein therapeutics.
• Perform expression and purification using mammalian systems (HEK293/Expi293).
• Drive analytical/biophysical studies (SEC-HPLC, CE-SDS, DLS, HIC, IEX).
• Assess QC attributes like aggregation, stability, charge variants, and solubility.
• Design formulation and forced degradation studies; support IND-CMC strategies.
• Manage CROs/CDMOs, timelines, budgets, and deliverables; cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to pre-IND/IND CMC documentation and tech transfer activities.

Skills

Antibody characterization

Developability assessment

Protein sciences

CRO/CDMO management

IND-enabling development

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Protein Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biophysics/Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

MS/BS with relevant experience

Tools

SEC-HPLC

CE-SDS

DLS

HIC

IEX

icIEF

DSF

nanoDSF

DSC

HEK293/Expi293 expression

Job description

Our client is a stealth-mode biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody and protein therapeutics. With research teams in both the U.S. and China, the company is advancing multiple programs toward IND-enabling studies and is seeking a key scientific hire to help build its development organization from the ground up.

Position Summary

This individual will serve as a technical leader supporting antibody characterization, develop-ability assessment, protein sciences, and early CMC activities. The role combines hands-on scientific work, CRO/CDMO management, and IND-enabling development efforts.

The position will work closely with the CSO and have the opportunity to help build and lead a team as the company grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead characterization and develop-ability assessments of monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, multispecific antibodies, and other protein therapeutics.
• Perform protein expression and purification using mammalian expression systems (HEK293, Expi293, or similar).
• Execute and interpret analytical and biophysical studies including SEC-HPLC, CE-SDS, DLS, HIC, IEX, icIEF, DSF, nanoDSF, and DSC.
• Assess aggregation, stability, charge variants, fragmentation, solubility, and other critical quality attributes.
• Design and execute formulation and forced degradation studies.
• Troubleshoot develop ability challenges including low expression, aggregation, poor stability, and manufacturing liabilities.
• Integrate analytical, biophysical, and functional data to support candidate selection.
• Manage CROs, CDMOs, and analytical partners, including timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Support process development, tech transfer, analytical development, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Contribute to pre-IND and IND CMC strategy, including Module 3 documentation.
• Collaborate closely with scientific teams in both the U.S. and China.
• Participate in frequent cross-functional meetings and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• PhD preferred (MS/BS considered with relevant experience) in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 5+ years (Senior Scientist), 8+ years (Associate Director), or 10+ years (Director) of industry experience.
• Strong experience with therapeutic antibodies and protein biologics.
• Experience with antibody characterization and develop ability assessments.
• Familiarity with bispecific, multispecific, or engineered antibody formats preferred.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling development and early CMC activities.
• Track record managing CROs and/or CDMOs.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• IND submission or Module 3 experience.
• Autoimmune or immunology therapeutic experience.
• Experience working with teams in China.
• Startup or early-stage biotech experience.

What They're Looking For

Must-Have

• Antibody/protein therapeutics experience
• Protein characterization & develop-ability expertise
• Early CMC or IND-support experience
• CRO/CDMO management

Nice-to-Have

• Bispecific/multispecific antibody experience