Principal Scientist – Therapeutic Antibody Characterization

Prellis Biologics, Inc.; Berkeley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 216,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock-based long-term incentives

Health and welfare plans

Flexible work models

Job summary

Prellis Biologics, a Berkeley-based biotech, seeks a Principal Scientist for Therapeutic Antibody Characterization to lead analytical characterization of mAbs, bispecifics, and Fc-fusion proteins, guiding candidate selection and preclinical development.

You will apply biophysical and analytical techniques (Tm, Tagg Uncle, AC-SINS, HIC, cIEF, aSEC, BVP) and collaborate with Antibody Discovery, Protein Engineering, and CMC teams to develop formulations and stability assessments.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience in analytical characterization of antibodies or biologics.
• Hands-on experience with protein characterization techniques (Tm, Tagg/Uncle, AC-SINS, HIC, cIEF, aSEC, BVP) and related assays.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical characterization of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, and related biologics.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical methods for therapeutic protein characterization.
• Generate and interpret data to support lead candidate selection, formulation development, and stability studies.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to cross-functional teams.

Job description

Principal Scientist – Therapeutic Antibody Characterization

Full Time

Prellis Biologics is advancing next-generation antibody therapeutics by integrating machine learning, scalable biology, and proprietary 3D-printed human lymph node organoids. We are expanding our platform into complex antibody modalities to develop innovative biologic medicines, with programs spanning obesity, inflammation and immunology (I&I), and oncology.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist - Therapeutic Antibody Characterization to join our Therapeutics team. The successful candidate will lead the analytical characterization of monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, and other complex biologics to support candidate selection and preclinical development. This role will apply a broad range of biochemical, biophysical, and analytical techniques to evaluate protein quality, developability, stability, and structure, while working closely with Antibody Discovery, Protein Engineering, and CMC teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive analytical characterization of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, and related biologics.
• Conduct biophysical and developability assessments using techniques including Tm, Tagg (Uncle), particle size analysis, AC-SINS, HIC, cIEF, analytical SEC (aSEC), and BVP assays.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret analytical data to support lead candidate selection, formulation development, stability studies, and analytical comparability assessments.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize analytical methods to support therapeutic protein characterization.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-organized technical reports and present experimental findings to cross-functional project teams.
• Collaborate closely with scientists in Antibody Discovery & Protein Engineering
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of industry experience (or equivalent) in the analytical characterization of therapeutic antibodies, bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, or other biologics.
• Strong hands-on experience with protein characterization techniques, including Tm, Tagg (Uncle), AC-SINS, HIC, cIEF, analytical SEC (aSEC), BVP, and related biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, solve technical challenges, and communicate scientific findings effectively.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with antibody developability, stability profiling, and analytical comparability studies.
• Experience with LC-MS-based characterization of therapeutic antibodies, including intact mass analysis, subunit analysis, peptide mapping, and post-translational modification (PTM) analysis.
• Experience in the bioanalysis of serum and plasma samples to support pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and preclinical studies.
• Experience with the analytical characterization of antibody–peptide drug conjugates, including conjugation analysis, conjugate purity, drug loading, and stability assessment.
• Knowledge of regulatory expectations and analytical strategies supporting therapeutic biologics development.

About Prellis Biologics

At Prellis we integrate human biology with machine learning. We aim to revolutionize drug discovery by harnessing the power of the human immune system with tightly integrated machine learning to develop next-generation antibody therapeutics with unparalleled speed, precision, and safety. We are committed to empowering our pharmaceutical partners with access to the most promising fully human antibody candidates rapidly identified from the human immune repertoire, enabling them to bring life-changing treatments to patients faster than ever before. Prellis Biologics is a pre-IPO biotech located in Berkeley, CA with a team-oriented, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. Our growing pipeline targets high unmet patient needs across therapeutic areas including metabolic disease, inflammation, and oncology. Prellis has raised funding from top investors, including Celesta, Khosla Ventures, SOSV, and Avidity Partners.

What You Can Expect Of Us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.

Actual salary will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Prellis offers compelling benefits based on eligibility, comprising health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save toward retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

• A competitive employee benefits package, including group medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan
• Stock-based long-term incentives
• Holiday package including a 1+ week winter shutdown
• Flexible work models, including remote and hybrid working arrangements, where possible

Application Deadline

Prellis does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Prellis Bio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion need to be at the foundation of our culture. We work hard to bring together diverse teams — grounded in a wide range of expertise and life experiences — and work even harder to ensure those teams thrive in inclusive, growth-oriented environments supported by equitable company and team practices. All candidates can expect equitable treatment, respect, and fairness throughout the interview process.

$160,000 - $216,000 per year