Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

MSD•San Diego, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Our Research and Development Division in San Diego is a cross-functional team (Discovery Biologics, Immunology, and Data Science) with the goal to discover and develop novel, innovative therapeutics in the field of Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist candidate to drive biologics discovery and development. The role is a key interface with Immunology and other drug discovery and development scientists and functions across our company as well as with external academic and industrial partners. The successful candidate will lead projects from discovery to start of IND-enabling studies, with focus on antibodies, bispecific molecules, and evaluation of novel biologic platforms and mechanisms of action. We recognize that diversity of thought and experiences in our team are our strengths and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in collaboration with colleagues to drive our core mission.

Requirements

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 programs from Discovery into Development and driving the application of scientific or platform innovations.
Demonstrated passion for, and a track record of talent development.
Champion for a diverse and inclusive culture.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong external reputation through publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement.
Bachelor's (with 14 years), Master's (with 10 years) or Ph.D. (with 7 years) in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cellular Biology or related field and relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experienced in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, bi- or 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.

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 including transient HEK, CHO; and antigen and protein reagents required for the drug discovery portfolio.
Drive innovation by contributing to 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 the relevant scientific fields.
Promote the external reputation of the Discovery Biologics Department by contributing to publications and conference presentations.

Benefits

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

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