Scientist

The Steely Group; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Steely Group is seeking a motivated scientist with a strong background in antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates and protein sciences to advance biologic therapies. You will contribute to discovering and developing novel antibody modalities for tissue-targeted delivery.

Key responsibilities include leading AOC projects, overseeing studies, and building platforms for biophysical analyses, with emphasis on collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related discipline with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong technical background in AOCs; direct experience with siRNA design, antibody engineering, bioconjugation chemistry, or oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience in chromatography and protein analytics.
• Direct experience with aseptic mammalian cell culture and plasmid transfection.
• Experience managing CROs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver AOC biomolecules for targeted tissue delivery.
• Develop bioconjugation strategies for targeted delivery using full-length antibodies, antibody fragments, and peptides.
• Co-lead AOC projects to advance therapeutic candidates with stakeholders and CROs.
• Supervise design and execution of studies and interpretation of data for in vitro and in vivo research.
• Develop a state-of-the-art platform for biophysical and biochemical analyses of novel antibody modalities.

Skills

AOC background

siRNA design

antibody engineering

bioconjugation chemistry

oligonucleotide therapeutics

cell culture

plasmid transfection

CRO management

data interpretation

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or Chemical Biology

Tools

ÄKTA

SEC

HIC

IEX

Mass spectrometry

DLS

Job description

Our client is currently seeking a highly motivated scientist with a background in antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) and protein sciences to contribute to the discovery and development of novel biologic therapies. This position will emphasize creating and analyzing new antibody modalities to develop biologic therapies targeted at specific tissues.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver AOC biomolecules that enable targeted delivery to tissues of high interest.
• Develop bioconjugation strategies for targeted delivery using diverse ligand formats, including full-length antibodies, antibody fragments, and peptides.
• Co-lead AOC projects to advance therapeutic candidates, working closely with stakeholders, advisors, and CRO collaborators.
• Supervise the design and execution of studies, as well as in the interpretation of data for both in vitro and in vivo research.
• Develop a state-of-the-art platform to facilitate biophysical and biochemical analyses of novel antibody modalities.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Strong technical background in AOCs; direct experience with siRNA design, antibody engineering, bioconjugation chemistry, or oligonucleotide therapeutics is highly preferred.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of experience
• Hands-on experience in chromatography (ÄKTA, SEC, HIC, and IEX) and protein analytics (mass spectrometry, DLS).
• Direct experience with aseptic mammalian cell culture and plasmid transfection.
• Experience managing CROs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly interpret data and present results to project teams.

Preferred Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in AOC conjugation and purification at milligram-to-gram scale, with exposure to transitioning research-grade materials toward CMC-ready manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead AOC technical workstreams, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive project milestones from discovery through preclinical development.
• Familiarity with siRNA sequence design and screening strategies.
• Experience in antibody purification and/or protein engineering.
• Experience working in a biotech or translational research environment.
• Strong statistical and data analysis skills.

* - Title and level will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.