Associate Director, Protein Sciences

Lever, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Alector is seeking an experienced Protein Sciences leader in South San Francisco to oversee internal and CRO-driven protein activities, build capabilities for new modalities, and mentor a small team. The role blends hands-on lab work with strategic leadership to advance antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates and related biologics through development.

You will collaborate across discovery, platform, development, and CMC teams, integrating AI tools to accelerate progress and optimize production and

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 8+ years in biotech/pharma.
• Significant experience leading protein sciences teams and external collaborations.
• Experience advancing proteins/antibodies from discovery toward development with developability/CMC awareness.
• Hands-on expertise with protein production, purification, characterization, and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external Protein Sciences activities to deliver proteins and conjugates for programs.
• Build capabilities for emerging modalities including antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates.
• Mentor and develop Protein Sciences team; manage CRO partnerships to meet priorities.
• Collaborate across discovery, development, CMC to address developability and manufacturing considerations.
• Integrate AI/LLMs into workflows to accelerate programs and insights.

Skills

Protein sciences leadership

Team leadership

External CRO partnerships

Hands-on protein purification

Analytical methods (FPLC/AKTA, HPLC,MS

Antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates

AI / LLMs in research

Education

PhD in biochemistry / molecular biology / biophysics / protein sciences

Tools

FPLC/AKTA

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Our mission is to develop therapies that empower the immune system to combat neurodegeneration and our team is focused on developing treatments for some of the most challenging diseases facing our society. By harnessing advancements in genetics, immunology and neuroscience, we are pioneering the development of potential therapies to counteract the devastating progression of neurodegeneration. We are supported in this mission by experienced and accomplished scientists and clinicians, a novel portfolio of programs, leading healthcare investors, and pharma company partners, who share in our commitment to bettering the lives of patients and realizing a world where we make brain disorders history.

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Protein Sciences leader to oversee protein science activities conducted internally and through external CRO partners. This is an opportunity to join Alector at a critical inflection point, lead and develop a small internal team, and build new capabilities supporting our growing focus on antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugate therapeutics. This individual will serve as a cross‑functional scientific connector and directly manage members of the Protein Sciences team. The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership and external‑partner oversight with a willingness to work in the laboratory to train colleagues, introduce new techniques, and troubleshoot complex technical challenges.

Key Goals & Accountabilities

• Advance our Protein Sciences strategy. Lead internal and external Protein Sciences activities to deliver high‑quality proteins and conjugates that support Alector’s research and development programs.
• Build capabilities for emerging modalities. Establish and evolve protein purification, conjugation, and analytical capabilities to advance antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates and other emerging program needs.
• Develop the team and scale our impact. Manage, mentor, and develop a small Protein Sciences team while providing hands‑on technical guidance and effectively leveraging external CRO partners to meet program priorities and timelines.
• Accelerate programs from research toward development. Partner across discovery, platform, development, CMC, and other teams to advance lead candidates, ensuring production and analytical strategies address developability, process viability, and manufacturing considerations.
• Innovate how we work. Integrate new technologies, including AI and large language models, into Protein Sciences workflows to accelerate programs, generate insights, and use resources more effectively.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, protein sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, or an equivalent combination of MS/MSc with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Significant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience in protein sciences, therapeutic antibodies, or related biologic modalities, including experience leading and developing scientific staff.
• Demonstrated history of advancing therapeutic proteins or antibodies from research and discovery toward development, including familiarity with developability and CMC considerations.
• Broad scientific expertise across protein production, purification, characterization, and analytical methods, with hands‑on experience using FPLC/AKTA and familiarity with HPLC, mass spectrometry, or related analytical platforms.
• Active user of large language models (LLMs), with a strong interest in applying evolving AI technologies to scientific research and drug development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with antibody‑oligonucleotide conjugates or closely related conjugated biologic modalities.
• Experience managing external CRO partnerships; experience working with WuXi Biologics or similarly fast‑paced global CROs is a plus.

$200,000 - $225,000 a year

At Alector, our vision is bold, people are our priority, and our values are at the core of everything we do. Our dynamic and flexible environment encourages our teams to experiment, take ownership of decisions, and question convention to solve complex problems. We value shared wins, perseverance, and a growth mindset, which drives us forward, together.

Among the things you'll discover at Alector from your very first day are our committed and driven colleagues, a bold company vision, and new, modern offices designed to inspire innovation and collaboration in South San Francisco, right at the heart of Biotech Bay. Our benefits are thoughtfully designed around Alectorians and their loved ones and include flexible hybrid work options, competitive compensation, and comprehensive and unique benefits that enhance your health and well‑being. Come join us!

We believe that hard‑working teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who can challenge each other’s assumptions with fresh perspectives and bring creative ideas to the table. We are committed to building an open, diverse, and inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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