Senior Research Scientist I, Antibody Engineering and Characterization

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

1d•$115,000 - $161,667•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT) at the Broad Institute is a collaborative drug discovery organization that works with faculty from MIT, Harvard, and Harvard teaching hospitals, as well as industry partners, to validate targets and identify leads. Its work spans multiple disease areas and integrates expertise in genomics, biology, high-content imaging, chemistry, single-domain antibody discovery, and machine learning. CDoT is seeking a passionate, highly motivated Senior Research Scientist I to join its growing Biologics team. The role leads antibody and biologics engineering and characterization efforts, supporting drug discovery programs from early concept through proof of concept and candidate nomination. The successful candidate will be a results-focused, team-oriented and creative bench scientist who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and skilled at problem solving and communication. The role is based on-site in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Requirements

PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, protein engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant post-PhD industry experience in biologics drug discovery.
Deep technical expertise in antibody biology, structure and function, discovery platforms, and therapeutic antibody optimization.
Experience with complex biologics formats, such as T cell engagers, TCR engagers, bispecific or multispecific antibodies, ADCs, CAR-T, or immunocytokine fusions.
Hands-on experience with structure-guided antibody engineering and modeling software such as Schrödinger, MOE, or PyMOL to optimize biophysical properties and developability.
Expertise in antibody characterization assays and platforms, including affinity determination, epitope binning, competition assays, specificity profiling, and developability assessment using Biacore, Carterra, Octet, ELISA, HPLC, DLS/SLS, or related technologies.
Experience with biologics expression and purification using chromatographic methods such as affinity, SEC, IEX, and HIC.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively and collaborate with project teams, peers, and management.
Strong self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to work in a fast-track environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with phage or yeast display platforms for antibody discovery and optimization.
Experience managing direct reports and developing talent.
Experience with LC-MS characterization of biologics.
Experience implementing AI/ML in biologics drug discovery workflows.

Responsibilities

Lead integrated antibody and biologics engineering campaigns from early concept through lead identification and optimization.
Design, execute, and oversee antibody engineering and optimization workflows, including affinity maturation, humanization, format conversion, Fc engineering, expression, purification, and characterization.
Engineer and evaluate antibodies in therapeutic formats including IgG, Fab, scFv, bispecific and multispecific antibodies, T cell engagers, TCR engagers, CAR-T-related formats, and other novel modalities.
Characterize antibody candidates using biochemical, biophysical, and functional assays to assess binding, affinity, specificity, epitope diversity, developability, potency, and mechanism of action.
Collaborate with industry and academic partners and CDoT colleagues, including protein sciences and RABIT binder discovery teams, on cross-functional projects.
Design, manage, and critically evaluate outsourced biologics drug discovery, production, and characterization workflows at CROs, while working on multiple projects simultaneously.