Senior Scientist, Antibody Discovery and Optimization

Marengo Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lab Senior Scientist to join their innovative team focused on antibody discovery and optimization. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge therapeutics that can significantly impact cancer treatment. You will collaborate with talented professionals, applying advanced molecular biology techniques to generate novel therapeutics. If you are a passionate scientist with a strong background in protein engineering and a desire to make a difference in patient care, this position is a perfect fit. Join a collegial organization that values creativity and collaboration in the pursuit of groundbreaking science.

Benefits

Free parking

Health coverage

401K eligibility

Paid insurance coverage

20 days of vacation

15 company holidays

Healthcare Savings Account

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with 5+ years of industry experience required.
• Extensive experience in antibody discovery and optimization is essential.

Responsibilities

• Execute lab work applying molecular biology and protein engineering techniques.
• Lead antibody discovery and optimization efforts, managing multiple projects.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Protein Engineering

Antibody Discovery

Problem-Solving

Analytical Skills

Education

PhD in Biochemistry

PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

Phage Display

Yeast Display

NGS

Bioinformatics

Job description

Description

Marengo Therapeutics, Inc, a clinical-stage biotech company, develops novel TCR-targeting antibodies that selectively modulate common and disease-specific T cell subsets of the germline TCR repertoire to provide lifelong protection against cancer and other diseases. With a passionate team of dedicated scientists experienced in immunology and oncology, Marengo’s proprietary Selective T Cell Activation Repertoire (STAR) platform leverages an extensive biological understanding of T cell function and receptor signaling to create a world in which everyone’s immune system can defeat cancer. To learn more, visit marengotx.com.

About STAR0602

STAR0602 is Marengo’s lead program, the first selective T cell activator generated from Marengo’s STAR platform; a library of antibodies targeting non-clonal variable (V)ß regions of the TCR fused to different co-stimulatory moieties. STAR0602 selectively targets a common Vb T cell subset present in all cancers and, by combining a novel non-clonal mode of TCR activation with a T cell co-stimulator in the same molecule, promotes expansion of a new population of clonally enriched, effector memory Vb T cells that turbo-charge immune system and promote a durable anti-tumor immune response. STAR0602 has undergone extensive preclinical testing, which demonstrates potent anti-tumor activity in both mouse and human ex vivo tumor models attributed to a distinct mechanism of action from existing cancer immunotherapies.

We are looking for a lab senior scientist for the “Antibody Technologies and CMC” function reporting to the Head of Antibody Discovery. We are looking for a highly motivated, versatile, experienced, and self-starter supporting all aspects of antibody discovery and in vitro display-based optimization of therapeutic molecules.

You will be required to collaborate with the Protein Sciences team and be accountable for delivering high-quality drug candidates with optimal molecular profiles. You should have extensive hands-on experience in the discovery and optimization of biologics spanning several modalities including Fc-fusions, monoclonal antibodies, bi and multi-specifics using cutting-edge molecular evolution methodologies. You should also demonstrate a good understanding of the evolving trends in the molecular optimization space and show agility in incorporating them into the optimization workflows as necessary.

Who are we looking for?

• You are an energetic and passionate professional who strives to think outside of the box, challenge the norm, and is passionate about the company’s mission of discovering and developing new medications.
• You have high attention to detail and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• You have a highly analytical mind with exceptional organizational skills.
• You are self-motivated with a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.
• You have the ability to work independently to design and troubleshoot experiments while leveraging other team members’ expertise when appropriate.
• You are a versatile, quick learner and actively take on new responsibilities.

What are we offering?

• Membership within a growing, CARING, and collegial organization.
• Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in certain skills and projects.
• Being part of a passionate, involved, and cutting-edge ADPS team.
• Exposure to pioneering science and discovering novel therapeutics to help treat patients with cancer.

Responsibilities:

• Execute hands-on lab work and apply molecular biology, yeast/phage display, protein biochemistry, and rational protein engineering techniques to generate novel multi-specific therapeutics.
• Lead execution of protein engineering and antibody discovery/optimization efforts such as humanization, affinity maturation, specificity modulation, and platform improvements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert in Antibody Discovery and Engineering and provide guidance to the research project teams.
• Manage several projects simultaneously and act as a single point of accountability on projects.
• Collaborate with the structural biology and antibody production teams to develop and operationalize the discovery campaigns.
• Analyze and present data, both in written reports and oral presentations.
• Effectively manage projects and resources to maximize progress.
• Manage antibody discovery & optimization activities with the external CROs.

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Molecular/Structural Biology, or a closely related field and extensive experience in Antibody discovery and optimization are required. A minimum of 5+ years of industry experience is also required.
• Demonstrated ability to apply phage/yeast display in the industrial setting to discover and optimize antibodies from naïve, immune, and synthetic libraries.
• Proven success in optimizing antibodies for multiple properties such as affinity, stability, and developability.
• Experience in building antibody libraries using advanced molecular biology techniques, establishing innovative high-throughput screening assays, and applying structural understanding to library design.
• Experience in NGS, bioinformatics, and structural modeling is highly preferred.

Competencies:

• Adaptability: Responds resourcefully, flexibly, and positively when faced with new challenges, transitions, and demands. Willingly and effectively deals with the stress and complexities of various situations. Moves forward productively and optimistically under conditions of change and uncertainty.
• Collaboration: Embodies and promotes collaboration and works effectively with others across the organization to achieve goals. Demonstrates proficient cross-company communication, cultural sensitivity, and partnership in interactions with others. Involves others in decisions and plans and credits them for their contributions and accomplishments.
• Execution: Drives execution of strategic and operating plans while maintaining operational effectiveness. Conveys a strong sense of urgency around continuous improvement, achieving high quality results, and accelerating business performance. Addresses problems directly and drives changes necessary to achieve business objectives.
• Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains strong relationships internally and externally. Respects and relates well to management, colleagues, peers, and direct reports. Champions a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion that values and respects individuals. Earns the respect of others through principled leadership, sound business ethics, and authenticity.

Location: Cambridge, MA ( We are located in Lower Cambridge, called Cambridgeport)

When You Join Marengo, You Will Have:

• Free parking, Cambridge location reachable by public transportation (Red Line).
• Customized and competitive health coverage, including medical offered through BCBS (HMO/PPO), dental, and vision.
• Healthcare Saving Account for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Eligible from the first day for 401K, no matching.
• A robust package of Marengo-paid insurance coverage, including life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
• 20 days of vacation and 1 personal day per year, in addition to 15 company holidays.

TO ALL AGENCIES: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Marengo about our openings. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Marengo via email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Marengo unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Marengo for this position and a valid agreement with Marengo is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the Marengo agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

Marengo Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other class protected by state or federal law.