Scientist I, Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center is seeking a Scientist I in Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics to advance discovery and early development of antibody-based therapies. You will drive lead candidate optimization using protein engineering, biophysical and functional assays, and leverage display technologies for discovery.

The role requires hands-on experience with antibody technologies, collaboration across teams, and strong data analysis skills to interpret complex results and inform

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on antibody discovery and optimization via display technologies (phage, yeast, mammalian).
• Experience with protein-based therapeutics and high-throughput characterization (SPR, BLI, Carterra).
• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly in reports, presentations, or publications.
• Proficiency with data analysis and molecular biology software (FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Geneious, SnapGene).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to pipeline program and discovery project workstreams.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and CROs to integrate data.
• Prepare internal reports, publications, or conference presentations.
• Stay current with immuno-oncology advances and communicate findings.
• Provide scientific input and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Antibody discovery

Protein biochemistry

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

Geneious

SnapGene

Job description

Position Summary

PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Scientist I, Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics to join the Biologics Platform team. The successful candidate will support discovery and early development of innovative therapeutics, including antibodies, multi-specifics, T cell engagers and cytokines. This role will focus on the discovery, characterization, and optimization of lead candidates through integrated protein engineering, biophysical and mechanism-of-action studies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in protein biochemistry with hands-on experience in phage, yeast, or mammalian display and/or AI-assisted protein design for antibody discovery and optimization. The ideal candidate is also a technical expert in evaluating biotherapeutics via SPR, BLI, ELISA, flow cytometry and immuno-assays. As a valued contributor to a growing and dynamic team, this individual will help drive our mission to develop transformative therapies for patients.

Summary Of Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to pipeline program and discovery project workstreams supporting target validation, candidate selection, and lead candidate optimization


• Collaborate with internal research teams, external partners, and CROs to integrate experimental data with candidate selection criteria


• Prepare high-quality internal presentations, scientific reports, external publications, or conference presentations, as appropriate


• Stay current with emerging advances in immuno-oncology and relevant therapeutic modalities and communicate key findings internally


• Provide scientific input within project teams and support the training or mentorship of junior team members

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology or a related scientific discipline, with 0-2 years of relevant post-PhD experience in an industry or academic research setting


• Hands-on experience with antibody discovery and optimization via combinatorial library-based technologies such as phage, yeast or mammalian display


• Experience with antibody, multi-specific, or other protein-based therapeutics, including formatting, production and high-throughput characterization via affinity (SPR, BLI, Carterra), epitope, developability and cellular functional assays (cytotoxicity, antibody internalization, MSD assay)


• Demonstrated ability to independently advance scientific projects, collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate scientific findings clearly through written reports, presentations, publications, patents, or related scientific outputs


• Proficiency with data analysis and molecular biology software, such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Geneious, Snapgene, etc


• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of emerging and established protein engineering technologies such as AI/ML-based protein design and optimization (RFdiffusion, pMPNN, AlphaFold, Rosetta, MOE, structure-based rational mutagenesis, etc.)


• Computational expertise in NGS data analysis.


• Working knowledge of structural biology, T cell and B cell biology, cancer immunology and immuno-oncology.

At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.

https://us.pharmaessentia.com/careers/