Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Job Description

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world‑class R&D to turn breakthrough science into life‑changing medicines.

Our Research and Development Division in San Diego is a cross‑functional team (Discovery Biologics, Immunology, and Data Science) focused on discovering and developing novel, innovative therapeutics in the field of Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist to drive biologics discovery and development. The successful candidate will lead projects from discovery to the start of IND‑enabling studies, with a focus on antibodies, bispecific molecules, and evaluation of novel biologic platforms and mechanisms of action.

• Lead the design, engineering, and characterization of innovative biologics, including antibodies and bispecific molecules.
• Direct the Protein Sciences team in the production and purification of antibodies in mammalian cell lines (transient HEK, CHO) and antigen/protein reagents required for the drug discovery portfolio.
• Drive innovation by contributing to exploratory programs and technology development.
• Provide strategic project leadership and partner cross‑functionally with teams in discovery, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, CMC, translational sciences, and translational medicine.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists.
• Foster a high‑performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self‑accountability, and inclusion.
• Partner across multidisciplinary interfaces to achieve organizational objectives.
• Stay abreast of external advancements in the relevant scientific fields.
• Promote the external reputation of the Discovery Biologics Department through publications and conference presentations.

Bachelor’s (≈14 years experience), Master’s (≈10 years experience), or Ph.D. (≈7 years experience) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cellular Biology, or a related field, with relevant experience.

• Deep scientific knowledge across workflows and domains integral to the discovery and development of protein therapeutics.
• Expertise in therapeutic protein design, engineering, and characterization.
• Experience advancing a biotherapeutic program from discovery into development and applying scientific or platform innovations.
• Demonstrated passion for talent development and a proven track record.
• Champion for a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong external reputation through publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement.

• Experience with protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including alternative non‑Ig scaffolds, bi‑ or multispecifics, and fusion proteins.
• Fluency in techniques for analyzing protein–protein interactions.
• Knowledge of computational approaches for protein engineering.
• Experience in outsourcing and managing external collaborations.

Salary Range: $ – $. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at

You can apply for this role through  or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The Final date to receive applications for this position is indicated on the posting. Current employees and contingent workers are encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC websites.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills, and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.