Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Job Overview

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 with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life‑changing medicines.

Position Overview

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 therapeutics in Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department seeks an experienced scientist to drive biologics discovery and development. The role interfaces with Immunology and other drug discovery functions across the company and with external academic and industrial partners.

Successful candidates will lead projects from discovery to the start of IND‑enabling studies, with focus on antibodies, bispecific molecules, and evaluation of novel biologic platforms and mechanisms of action.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 produce antigen and protein reagents for the drug discovery portfolio.

• Drive innovation through exploratory programs and technology development.

• Strategic project leadership in Immunology Biologics, partnering 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.

• Effectively partner across multidisciplinary interfaces to achieve organizational objectives.

• Stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific fields.

• Promote the external reputation of the Discovery Biologics Department through publications and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications

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Education:

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

• 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 biotherapeutic programs from discovery into development, applying scientific or platform innovations.

• Track record of talent development and a passion for fostering diverse and inclusive teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong external reputation through publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including alternative non‑Ig scaffolds, bispecifics, multispecifics, and fusion proteins.

• Fluency with techniques for analysis of protein‑protein interactions.

• Knowledge of computational approaches for protein engineering.

• Experience in outsourcing and managing external collaborations.

Required Skills (Keyword Focus)

• Antibodies, Biologics, Communication, Immunology, Leadership, Project Leadership, Protein Characterization, Protein Design, Protein Engineering, Protein Purification, Proteins, Team Management

Preferred Skills (Keyword Focus)

• Current Employees apply HERE

• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Location and Work Arrangement

U.S. & Puerto Rico residents only. Hybrid work model beginning September 5, 2023: office‑based roles will have three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday, varying by site) and one remote day (Friday), unless the role is field‑based, facility‑based, or marked as remote.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $ – $. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive (if applicable). Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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