Principal Biologics Scientist - Protein Production

Disc Medicine; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Disc Medicine is seeking a detail-oriented Principal Scientist/Associate Director to lead discovery, design, production and characterization of biologics across early programs. This role reports to the Senior Director, Protein Production and Engineering and drives cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced Innovation portfolio.

You will supervise scientists, advance developability workflows, and contribute to portfolio progression with scientific rigor and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein engineering, or a related field.
• 10–12 years of related work experience with at least 5 years in biotech/pharma.
• Extensive experience in biologics discovery and protein sciences, including fusion proteins and multi-specific antibodies.
• Deep expertise in characterization of protein structure and function (affinity, stability, developability).
• Strong background in computation/structure-based protein design.
• Experience coordinating with CROs is preferred.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership across multiple biologics discovery programs.
• Lead protein engineering strategies for antigens and biologics using experimental, computational, and structural biology tools.
• Design and oversee protein production and detailed characterization to support projects.
• Drive early-stage developability assessment workflows for biologics.
• Support mechanism of action studies through assay development.
• Support lead molecule selection to advance pipeline programs.
• Synthesize literature, propose innovative approaches, and test hypotheses.
• Communicate project progress in cross-functional meetings and align with timelines.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Outstanding communication

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Structural Biology/Protein engineering

Tools

Computational biology tools

Structural biology tools

Job description

Disc Medicine is seeking a detail-oriented Principal Scientist/Associate Director to lead discovery, design, production and characterization of biologics across early programs. This role reports to the Senior Director, Protein Production and Engineering and drives cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced Innovation portfolio.

You will supervise scientists, advance developability workflows, and contribute to portfolio progression with scientific rigor and strategic thinking.