Principal Scientist, Protein Production & Engineering

Disc Medicine; Watertown (MA); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Disc Medicine, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in Watertown, MA, seeks a detailed-oriented Principal Scientist/Associate Director to lead discovery and design of biologics across stages. You will steer protein production, develop assays, and guide developability assessments in a fast-paced Innovation portfolio.

You will communicate updates to cross-functional teams and advance pipeline programs, with a focus on antibodies and multi-specifics, while contributing to a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Engineering, or related field.
• 10–12 years of research experience with 5+ years in biotech/pharma.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership across multiple biologics discovery programs.
• Lead protein engineering strategies for antibodies and multi-specifics.
• Oversee protein production and detailed characterization for discovery projects.
• Drive early-stage developability assessment workflows for biologics.
• Support mechanism of action studies through assay development.
• Assist lead molecule selection for pipeline advancement.
• Critically evaluate literature and design innovative experimental plans.
• Communicate progress and findings in cross-functional meetings.
• Foster collaboration and scientific excellence within the team.

Skills

Biochemistry

Structural biology

Protein engineering

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Protein design software

Computational biology tools

Job description

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 Range

$166,000 - $203,000 USD

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.

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