Scientist​/Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

Kodiak Sciences Inc. is a fast-growing, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming ophthalmology through innovative therapeutics. Our Antibody Biopolymer Conjugate Drug (ABCD) platform integrates protein engineering, polymer chemistry, small molecule drug discovery, bioconjugation, and drug delivery technologies to address high-prevalence ophthalmic diseases.

We are seeking an accomplished Scientist/Senior Scientist to advance therapeutic drug discovery and development programs. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in protein engineering and assay development, with a strong track record of designing and executing robust biochemical and cell-based assays to enable data-driven decisions. This role will lead the design and optimization of various therapeutic approaches, including recombinant proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotide modalities, and will develop fit-for-purpose assay platforms to support therapeutic candidate selection and progression.

• Lead the discovery and engineering of recombinant protein-, peptide-, and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, optimizing functional activity, stability, and develop ability. Provide scientific leadership in molecular design and support lead identification and optimization across discovery programs.
• Design, develop, and validate biochemical and cell-based assays to functionally characterize therapeutic drug candidates.
• Establish, qualify, and maintain assay platforms for screening, profiling, and data-driven decision-making across multiple programs.
• Perform hands-on experimental work with recombinant proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides including assay setup, execution, and data analysis.
• Evaluate protein and peptide activity using a broad range of assays, including fluorescence-, absorbance-, and luminescence-based readouts; FRET; LC-MS; SPR; ELISA; and in vitro cellular functional assays.
• Troubleshoot complex technical challenges and continuously improve assay robustness, performance and throughput.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to integrate assay data into project strategies and candidate selection.
• Present scientific findings to project teams and senior leadership; contribute to technical reports, study summaries, and regulatory documentation as needed.

• Ph.D. in Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience in drug engineering, including recombinant proteins, peptides, and/or oligonucleotide–associated modalities.
• Demonstrated expertise in biochemical and diverse cell-based assays for drug discovery.
• Ability to independently drive scientific work while contributing effectively within a collaborative, cross-functional research environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and scientific decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific concepts.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and scientifically driven, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality research outcomes.