Scientist II, Antibody Engineering

Astellas; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Bonuses

Company vehicle

Job summary

Astellas is seeking a Scientist II in Antibody Engineering to advance next-generation biologics for oncology. You will drive design, engineering, and characterization of antibodies and multifunctional biologics, integrating AI-enabled design with traditional biochemistry and biophysics.

The role collaborates across Cancer Biology, Translational Science, and global Biologics Engineering in SSF and Japan. You will lead discovery through preclinical development, applying innovative platforms,

Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years of industry experience in antibody/protein engineering, structural biology, biophysics, and biochemistry.
• Experience in antibody design and protein engineering using AI/ML approaches; familiarity with generative design and structure prediction.
• Experience with antibody purification (protein A, Ni-NTA, HIC, IEX, SEC).
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques including DNA construct design, PCR, cloning, and plasmid engineering.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical/biophysical characterization assays (Octet/BLI, ELISA, FRET, CE-SDS).
• Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments; communicate complex data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and characterize bispecific antibodies, T-cell engagers, engineered cytokines, and other biologics.
• Apply iterative design-make-test-learn cycles to discovery and optimization; interpret data to guide decisions.
• Collaborate with Cancer Biology, Translational Science, AI/ML and Biologics Engineering for candidate progression.
• Coordinate with CROs and external partners for protein production and analytics.
• Leverage AI/ML technologies to enhance discovery and optimization; present findings to teams.

Skills

Antibody engineering

AI/ML protein design

Structural biology

Biophysics

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Immunology/Protein Engineering

Tools

Octet/BLI

ELISA

FRET assays

CE-SDS

Job description

Job Description

Scientist II, Antibody Engineering

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope

This Scientist II role in the Antibody Engineering department will drive the discovery and development of next-generation biologics and immuno-oncology therapeutics in Oncology Research by integrating antibody engineering, structural biology, and AI-enabled protein design. The role will contribute to innovative therapeutic modalities including T-cell engagers (TCEs), ADCs, multispecific antibodies, and cytokine-based therapeutics to improve safety and efficacy for patients. Working closely with Cancer Biology, Translational Science, AI/ML and global Biologics Engineering organization in South San Francisco and Japan, this scientist role will lead / support research programs, advance platform technologies, and translate novel concepts into differentiated therapeutic candidates. The position is expected to contribute scientific innovation, intellectual property generation, and technology development that enables future biologics discovery and development.

Role and Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and characterize bispecific antibodies, T-cell engagers (TCEs), engineered cytokines, and other multifunctional biologics.
• Apply iterative design-make-test-learn cycles to biologics discovery, lead optimization, and candidate selection. Generate and interpret experimental data to guide project decisions.
• Partner with teams across Cancer Biology, Translational Science, AI/ML and global Biologics Engineering organization in South San Francisco and Japan to advance therapeutic candidates from discovery through preclinical development.
• Coordinate activities with CROs and external technology partners, including outsourced protein production, analytical characterization, and collaborative research efforts.
• Apply emerging antibody engineering, structural biology, and AI/ML technologies, including AI-enabled SaaS platforms and autonomous AI agents, to enhance biologics discovery and optimization.
• Analyze experimental and computational data, maintain accurate records in LIMS, ELN, and communicate findings to project teams, senior leadership, and external scientific audiences. Document workflows, contribute to technical reports, publications, invention disclosures, and patent applications, and present research at scientific conferences when appropriate.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years of industry experience in antibody/protein engineering, structural biology, biophysics, and biochemistry, preferably within oncology and/or immuno-oncology drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in antibody and protein design, including the application of AI/ML-enabled protein engineering approaches. Experience may include generative protein design, structure prediction, and optimization of antibodies/formats, TCEs, ADCs, cytokine-based therapeutics, using protein language models and structural modeling tools.
• Experience in antibody purification including chromatography methods such as protein A, Ni-NTA, HIC, IEX, SEC.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA construct design, PCR, DNA purification, cloning, and plasmid engineering.
• Hands-on experience in antibody engineering platform development and implementation of biochemical and biophysical characterization assays, such as Octet/BLI, ELISA, FRET-based assays, CE-SDS.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments, including development and optimization of novel protocols and assays.
• Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset, with demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to support critical team priorities beyond primary project responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate computational and experimental strategies, present complex data, and communicate recommendations to diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project leading and managing cross-functional teams to drive data-driven decisions and progress milestones for programs
• Experience coordinating work with CROs, external technology providers, or global research teams, including cross-site collaboration, is a plus.
• Experience with antibody generation or screening technologies, such as phage display, yeast or mammalian display, B-cell discovery, immunization-based discovery, or related experimental platforms, is a plus.

Location and Working Environment

• This position is based in SSF and will require on-site work.
• At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values: Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors: We come together as ‘One Astellas’, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$105,280-$150,400 Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions

#LI-TR1

Our organization is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.