Principal Scientist, Protein Production & Engineering

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

Overview

Massachusetts - Hybrid

Join our team in a dynamic hybrid role, offering flexibility to work remotely and from our headquarters in Watertown, MA.

Company Overview

Disc Medicine is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel treatments for patients who suffer from serious hematologic diseases. We are building a portfolio of innovative, first-in-class therapeutic candidates that aim to address a wide spectrum of hematologic diseases by targeting fundamental biological pathways of red blood cell biology, specifically heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Disc Medicine values collaboration, professional development, and scientific integrity and promotes an inclusive company culture that empowers and inspires.

Position Overview

Disc Medicine is seeking a detailed-oriented and experienced protein biochemist who will join our Innovation team as a Principal Scientist/Associate Director reporting to our Senior Director, Protein production and engineering. This individual will lead the discovery, design, production and/or characterization of biologics at various discovery and development stages, effectively communicate project updates and contribute to the company portfolio with meaningful opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership in the planning, execution, and data interpretation across multiple biologics discovery programs.
• Lead protein engineering strategies for various antigens and biologics (antibodies and multi-specifics) using experimental, computational and structural biology tools
• Design and oversee the protein production and detailed characterization processes to support projects across the Innovation portfolio
• Drive early-stage developability assessment workflows of biologics
• Support mechanisms of action studies through assay development
• Support the selection of lead molecules to advance pipeline programs.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature, synthesize novel hypotheses and design and integrate rigorous experimental strategies to test them.
• Communicate project progress and key findings effectively in cross-functional meetings, ensuring alignment with timelines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture, with a strong emphasis on scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein engineering, or a related field.
• 10–12 years of related work experience with at least 5 years of experience working within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical research industry.
• Extensive experience in biologics discovery and protein sciences, including fusion proteins and multi-specific antibodies
• Deep expertise in the characterization of protein structure and function (affinity, stability, developability, etc.)
• Strong background in the use of computational and structural biology tools for protein design is a plus.
• Tech transfer knowledge from Research to Development teams is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and independently, propose innovative scientific approaches, and apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex biological questions.
• Experience working with contract research organizations (CROs) is preferred.
• Outstanding communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to thrive within a collaborative work environment.

Salary

The annual base salary range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rates are determined by considering multiple factors including qualifications, relevance of experience, education & credentials, subject matter expertise, and internal parity.

Salary Range: $166,000 - $203,000 USD

Equal Opportunity and Benefits

Disc Medicine is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing all qualified candidates and employees equal opportunities. We offer comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation packages. The Company headquarters are in Watertown, MA, and we provide a flexible work environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume to be considered for current and future opportunities. Disc Medicine respects your privacy. For information about how Disc processes your personal data in the context of your candidacy, please see our Privacy Notice.