Metaphore: Sr. Scientist, Protein & Cell Sciences

Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Scientist to lead the Protein Sciences team.

The role focuses on protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization to advance platform development and therapeutic discovery programs. Strong hands-on mammalian expression and biochemistry skills are essential. You will collaborate across teams to optimize workflows, mentor junior scientists, and drive rigorous data quality and robust documentation.

Qualifications

• PhD (or BS/MS with equivalent level of experience) in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, structural biology, analytical chemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Experience in protein production, purification, and analytical characterization in a biotech/pharma setting with weekly material production.
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and transient transfection.
• Proficiency with protein purification systems (FPLCs and Autosamplers) and analytical systems (UHPLCs).
• Experience with biophysical characterization methods such as BLI, SPR, DSF, DLS, or related approaches.
• Ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments independently.
• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and clear written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute workflows for recombinant protein production, including transient mammalian expression, purification, and quality assessment.
• Contribute to experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting to improve throughput and data quality.
• Collaborate with Antibody Discovery, Antibody Engineering, and Computational Biology teams for integrated project work.
• Mentor junior team members and act as SME for recombinant production and protein stability metrics.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and reproducible workflows; ensure data integrity.
• Prepare study reports and present results to internal stakeholders; support lab ops improvements.

Skills

Mammalian expression

Protein purification

Analytical characterization

Assay development

Experimental design

Collaborative team work

Documentation and data integrity

Education

PhD in protein biochemistry or related field

BS/MS with equivalent experience (5+ years in industry)

Tools

FPLC systems

Autosamplers

UHPLC systems

Job description

Metaphore Bio is a generative AI drug design company creating a new class of functional antibodies. We are seeking an accomplished protein scientist and leader to run and continually optimize the engine that turns computationally designed antibodies into well-characterized, developable therapeutic proteins. This is a rare opportunity to pair deep protein biochemistry and antibody purification expertise with a first-in-class AI platform — and to shape how a new modality moves from sequence to drug candidate.

Position Summary:

Metaphore Biotechnologies is seeking a highly motivated Sr. Scientist to join our Protein Sciences team within Research and Discovery. This role will focus on protein expression, purification, and analytical characterization in support of platform development and therapeutic discovery programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on experience with mammalian expression systems, protein biochemistry, and assay development, along with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute workflows for recombinant protein production, including transient mammalian expression, purification, and quality assessment.


• Contribute to the design, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments that improve throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.


• Partner closely with Antibody Discovery, Antibody Engineering, Computational Biology, and other cross-functional teams to support integrated project execution.


• Serve as a mentor to junior team members and a subject matter expert within the company in the areas of recombinant production and protein stability metrics.


• Establish and maintain strong documentation practices, experimental rigor, and reproducible workflows.


• Prepare study reports, summarize data, and present results clearly to internal stakeholders.


• Support continuous improvement of lab operations, including the adoption of new methods, tools, and workflows as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD (or BS/MS degree with equivalent level of experience) in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, structural biology, analytical chemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience.


• Experience in protein production, purification, and analytical characterization in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting responsible for regular production of milligram to grams of material on a reoccurring weekly basis.


• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and transient transfection.


• Proficiency with protein purification systems (FPLCs and Autosamplers) and analytical systems (UHPLCs) used to assess protein quality and function.


• Experience with biophysical characterization methods such as BLI, SPR, DSF, DLS, or related approaches.


• Demonstrated ability to design, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments independently.


• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and written and verbal communication skills and a record of establishing robust systems


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with antibody discovery workflows and biologics development.


• Experience with automated multi-step midscale purification.


• Experience with production from linear DNA templates.


• Experience with bi and multi specific antibody formats.


• Experience managing direct reports or mentoring junior scientists.


• Familiarity with data capture systems and structured documentation practices.


• Exposure to assay development and validation for discovery or translational applications.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact [e-mail].

The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc. currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact [e-mail].