Senior Principal Scientist, Biotherapeutics Discovery, Discovery Acceleration Unit

Boehringer Ingelheim; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 167,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield, CT is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to lead the Discovery Acceleration Unit within Biotherapeutics Discovery. You will define and deliver innovative molecular biology and protein science tools that enable new therapeutic concept ideation and portfolio advancement.

You will oversee construct design, protein expression, purification, and characterization, guide interdisciplinary project teams, develop new R&D goals, and mentor scientific staff while

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or related field with 5+ years industry experience.
• 4–6 years leadership and project management experience.
• Expertise in antibody engineering and developability optimization.
• Hands-on molecular biology, protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Strong communication skills in interdisciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Discovery Acceleration Unit to design and deliver molecular biology and protein tools for therapeutic concept ideation.
• Oversee construct design, expression, purification, and characterization for fit-for-purpose tools.
• Provide scientific leadership to cross-disciplinary teams and guide experimental strategies.
• Develop new R&D goals, plan experiments, and manage multiple projects.
• Communicate progress and risks to leadership through reports and presentations.

Skills

Antibody engineering

Molecular biology

Protein expression & purification

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in biochemistry / related field

Job description

Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking a highly skilled Senior Principal Scientist to lead the Discovery Acceleration Unit within the Biotherapeutics Discovery organization in Ridgefield, CT. In this lab head role, the selected candidate will define and deliver innovative tools that support new therapeutic concept ideation.

This role will lead an interdisciplinary team responsible for designing, producing, and delivering innovative tools, including construct design, protein expression, purification, and characterization. As an expert in molecular biology and protein science, the Senior Principal Scientist will guide project teams in selecting fit-for-purpose tools to advance new therapeutic concepts into the portfolio. The role will also propose and implement new R&D and technology goals, develop experimental designs, manage and prioritize multiple laboratory projects, define and communicate tactics to achieve project objectives, plan and conduct experiments, interpret data, and manage and develop scientific staff.

As an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, you will actively contribute to the discovery, development and delivery of our products to our patients and customers. Our global presence provides opportunity for all employees to collaborate internationally, offering visibility and opportunity to directly contribute to the companies' success. We realize that our strength and competitive advantage lie with our people. We support our employees in a number of ways to foster a healthy working environment, meaningful work, mobility, networking and work-life balance. Our competitive compensation and benefit programs reflect Boehringer Ingelheim's high regard for our employees.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the Discovery Acceleration Unit in designing, producing, and delivering innovative molecular biology and protein science tools that enable new therapeutic concept ideation and portfolio advancement.
• Oversee construct design, protein expression, purification, and characterization activities, ensuring tools are fit for purpose and aligned with project goals.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to interdisciplinary project teams, guiding the selection and application of appropriate tools, technologies, and experimental strategies.
• Propose, evaluate, and implement new R&D and technology goals that strengthen discovery capabilities and support the advancement of multiple therapeutic programs.
• Develop experimental plans, prioritize and manage multiple laboratory projects, interpret complex data, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Communicate strategies, progress, results, and risks clearly through technical reports, presentations, and updates to project teams and senior leadership.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in molecular biology, protein science, and biotherapeutic discovery, maintaining awareness of emerging literature, technologies, and best practices.
• Recruit, mentor, manage, and develop scientific staff while fostering a collaborative, safe, inclusive, and high‑performing laboratory environment.
• Ensure all work is conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, SOPs, safety standards, and company policies; maintain accurate records and support budget and resource planning as needed.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, protein chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, structural biology, biophysics, or a related discipline, with five (5) or more years of relevant industry experience, or equivalent experience.
• At least Four (4) years to 6 years of leadership and project management experience
• Demonstrated expertise in antibody engineering, including therapeutic antibody design, construct generation, antibody fragment or multispecific format engineering, affinity maturation, and developability optimization.
• Hands-on experience applying molecular biology, protein expression, purification, and characterization approaches to engineer, screen, and optimize antibodies or antibody‑based therapeutics.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end protein production workflows, including construct design, selection of appropriate expression systems, transient and/or stable protein expression, purification strategy, analytical characterization, reagent quality requirements, and fit‑for‑purpose delivery for antibody discovery and biotherapeutic research.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in an interdisciplinary environment

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must be willing to submit to a background investigation, including verification of your past employment, criminal history, and educational background.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and post‑offer physical (if required).
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Compensation Data

This position offers a base salary typically between $166,600.00 and $250,000.00 USD. The position may be eligible for a role specific variable or performance based bonus and or other compensation elements. For an overview of our benefits.

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long‑term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Why Boehringer Ingelheim?

With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths - and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.

Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.

Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after - as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you'll be helping to transform lives for generations.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com