Principal Scientist, High Throughput Production and Automation Group Leader, Discovery Biologics

MSD•Boston, MA

6d•$194,100 - $305,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Scientist (Director level) will lead the molecular biology and high-throughput protein production team within the Biologics Production and Engineering group in Boston Discovery Biologics, while providing matrix oversight of automated experimental solutions across the broader organization. The role oversees a high-throughput production queue that translates protein engineering and hit-identification designs into screening sets of fit-for-purpose therapeutics, and partners with Early Biotherapeutics Characterization to streamline handoffs for deeper characterization and developability analysis before molecules are released to project teams. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in designing and executing semi- to fully automated high-throughput approaches for biologics discovery. They will improve workflows, help advance therapeutics from discovery toward the clinic, and contribute to pipeline programs by integrating computational and wet-lab approaches with state-of-the-art automation. As a people manager, they will develop staff, foster collaboration and accountability, support recruiting, and champion inclusion.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Protein Engineering, Physics, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related STEM field, with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or a Master's degree with 12+ years; or a Bachelor's degree with 14+ years of relevant industry experience in biochemistry or a related field.
Relevant experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and independence in a similar industrial setting.
Experience supporting biologic therapeutic discovery programs.
Extensive production group leadership experience, with a track record of talent acquisition, retention, and development.
Deep expertise in state-of-the-art high-throughput molecular biology and protein production methods.
Experience developing, adapting, and continually using integrated, automated biologic production and characterization platforms, including automated data capture.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed reporting model while supporting multiple projects in parallel.
Established external reputation through high-impact publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.

Nice To Haves

Therapeutic project leadership experience resulting in candidate selection and beyond.
Experience with protein therapeutics beyond antibodies, including higher-valency and complex Fc-containing therapeutics, fusion proteins, and antigens.
Leadership experience designing and deploying integrated walkaway automated biologic production and characterization platforms.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific and strategic leadership to a team of 4 FTEs.
Lead continuous improvement of physical and digital workflows and guide future automated workflow expansion.
Manage outsourcing CROs for molecular biology and protein production to maximize the impact of internal resources.
Partner with teams within Discovery Biologics and across multidisciplinary interfaces to achieve organizational objectives.
Manage liquid handlers from Dynamic Devices, TECAN, and Hamilton, along with associated peripheral equipment.
Use programmatic leadership experience to support and co-lead Discovery Biologics therapeutic programs in collaboration with Therapeutic Areas.
Mentor and develop scientists, leveraging individual strengths to build a high-performing, engaged team.
Stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific fields and promote Discovery Biologics’ external reputation.
Champion an inclusive culture and support recruiting highly skilled talent.