(Senior) Research Associate, Protein Sciences

Pharmaessentia Corporation; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmaessentia Corporation, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a (Sr.) Research Associate in Protein Sciences to advance innovative biotherapeutics including antibodies and drug conjugates. This role will support characterization and optimization efforts, leveraging expertise in protein science within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of research experience in academic or industry setting.
• Experience with biologics characterization and analytical techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins.
• Conduct cell-based binding and functional assays.
• Design, optimize, and validate assay protocols.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Analytical techniques

Cell culture protocols

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology

Tools

GraphPad Prism

BLI/SPR

ELISA

MSD

HPLC

Job description

(Sr.) Research Associate, Protein Sciences

Job Summary:
PharmaEssentia is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs in oncology, hematology, and immunology. With a strong foundation in disease biology, biologics and translational science, we are expanding our research capabilities to fuel the next generation of breakthroughs. PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative (Senior) Research Associate, Protein Sciences to join our Biologics Platform team. In this role, you will play a vital part in advancing our pipeline of innovative biotherapeutics—including cytokines, antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates—by supporting the characterization and optimization of therapeutic candidates for clinical development. Your expertise in Protein Science will be key to cross-functional drug discovery efforts. As a valued contributor to a growing and dynamic team, you’ll help drive our mission to develop transformative therapies for patients.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Perform biophysical and biochemical characterization to assess protein binding, stability, and developability properties to support research activities and project goals.
• Perform complementary cell-based binding and functional assays to enable a comprehensive evaluation of protein function and selection of lead molecules.
• Design, optimize, and validate assay protocols to ensure reproducibility between projects and teams.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality in organization and documentation.
• Analyze data, interpret the results, and effectively communicate the results to internal teams.

Essential Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related field with 3+ years research experience in an academic or industry setting.

• Expertise in protein biochemistry, including experience with biologics characterization and analytical techniques such as BLI/SPR, ELISA, MSD, HPLC, and cell-based assays.
• Skill in common mammalian cell culture protocols using primary cells and tumor cell lines.
• Proficiency in data analysis/visualization software like GraphPad Prism.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Brings an enthusiastic, flexible, and team-oriented mindset to science.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in antibody structure and function, and experience with antibody drug discovery and multi-specific antibody formats.
• Knowledge of expression vector design and cloning (e.g., Gibson assembly), as well as protein purification methods (e.g., affinity, IEX, and SEC).
• Experience with flow cytometry for binding assays, cell-based functional assays, and immunophenotyping.

EEO Statement:
At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. PIRC believes that diversity and inclusion among our team are critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. PIRC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Staffing agencies should not send resumes to our HR team or to any PIRC employees. PIRC is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies.

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/