Senior Scientist, Antibody Developability and Characterization

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany • San Diego, CA

403d • $101,100 - $159,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist position in the Discovery Biologics Department focuses on antibody developability and characterization of various modalities, including monoclonal, bispecific, and VHH antibodies. The role involves designing and conducting experiments to support early discovery projects aimed at developing innovative therapeutics in Inflammation and Immunology. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse team and contribute to drug discovery research programs, ensuring the development of effective biotherapeutics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 7 years, Master's degree with 4 years, or Ph.D. in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology or related discipline with relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience with biotherapeutic modalities and developability assays.
• Expertise in biophysical and bioanalytical characterization of large molecules to address non-specificity, hydrophobicity, self/cross-interaction, heterogeneity, aggregation potential and conformational stability.
• Demonstrated experience in analytical liquid chromatography (SEC, HIC, FcRn, RP, IEX, etc) and antibody thermal stability (DSF or DSC).
• Experience in antibody self-interaction, solubility, aggregation, charge heterogeneity and clipping analysis (AC-SINS, viscosity, cIEF, CE-SDS, Mass spectrometry, etc).
• Deep scientific knowledge of antibody polyreactivity, aggregation propensity, stability, solubility, chemical liabilities, and immunogenicity.
• Strong technical knowledge PTM analysis and peptide mapping of antibodies using Mass spectrometry.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in antibody purification, engineering, structure and design.
• Experience with high-throughput screening and automated liquid handling.
• Experience with antibody binding assays of complex biologics (SPR, BLI, etc).
• Project leadership experience across discovery stages.

Responsibilities

• Contribute scientifically to drug discovery research programs; serve as antibody developability representative and present data to project teams.
• Execute on early-stage characterization for the developability of biotherapeutics including biophysical and bioanalytical methods involving chromatographic methods, plate-based assays, stability and aggregation propensities.
• Identify liabilities for antibody developability and pharmacokinetics, and aid in the design of molecules with improved properties.
• Stay current on biophysical technologies and literature, recognize risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Work productively with external academic, industry, and contract research organizations.

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Long term incentive if applicable
• Health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree