Scientist I, Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics

PharmaEssentia U.S.A.; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

PharmaEssentia U.S.A. seeks a Scientist I, Biochemistry and Biotherapeutics to support discovery and early development of innovative therapeutics, including antibodies and multi-specifics.

You will drive lead candidate optimization through protein engineering, biophysical analyses, and mechanism-of-action studies, leveraging phage/yeast/mammalian display and AI-assisted design where appropriate. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, data-driven decision making, and mentoring junior

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Immunology or related field; 0–2 years post-PhD industry/academic experience.
• Experience with antibody discovery/optimization via display technologies (phage/yeast/mammalian).
• Experience with antibody/protein therapeutics; formatting, production, high-throughput characterization (SPR, BLI, Carterra), developability and cellular assays.
• Ability to independently advance scientific projects, collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate findings in reports, publications, patents or related outputs.
• Proficiency with data analysis and molecular biology software (FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Geneious, SnapGene).
• Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented mindset in a dynamic research environment.

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 related modalities and communicate key findings internally.
• Provide scientific input within project teams and support training or mentorship of junior team members.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Project management

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Immunology or related

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/