Sr. Scientist, Molecular Discovery

MSD•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century. Our company's success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare. We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Today, we’re doubling down on this goal to take our company's leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases. Discovery Biologics in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Interactions group and expand our capabilities to engineer and characterize novel biologics and cell therapies. The group is responsible for developing fit-for-purpose binding assays with an array of technologies to characterize a portfolio of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specifics, Fc-fusion proteins and other novel protein therapeutics. The Molecular Interactions group is part of the Discovery Biologics organization which uses machine learning, advanced automation, ultra-high throughput in vitro and in vivo technologies, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to discover and engineer biologics. In this role, the successful candidate will directly contribute to the invention of novel biologics and will be responsible for the molecular interaction analysis of therapeutic candidates through state-of-the-art technologies including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), kinetic-exclusion assay (KinExA). Using their deep expertise in molecular interactions method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies, they will enable the discovery and engineering of biologics. As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to solve complex problems in disease biology and drug discovery. They will attend scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and help to set the group strategy. The successful candidate will join a group of innovative scientists and engineers that are driving the next revolution in biologics discovery and engineering. We recognize that in our team is our strength and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering, or a related discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience or MS degree with >5 years of relevant industry experience
Broad experience in molecular interaction and biophysical characterization techniques
Expertise in molecular interaction/analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies
Deep expertise in method design and characterization of biotherapeutic protein:protein interactions using relevant technologies (SPR, BLI, KinExA) to assess kinetics and affinity, specificity, and epitope
Hands-on experience with Carterra LSA to interrogate large data sets for both kinetic/affinity and epitope binning analysis is required
Experience delivering comprehensive characterization analysis incorporating the full spectrum of characterization data (molecular interactions, analytical and functional/cellular assay) to drive the selection and progression of therapeutic leads in the discovery pipeline
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Antibody Discovery
Biochemical Assays
Data Analysis
Detail-Oriented
High-Throughput Screening
Protein Analysis
Protein Conjugation
Protein Engineering
Protein Interactions
Results-Oriented
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Nice To Haves

Experience with on-cell affinity analysis using techniques including KinExA, Mesoscale ELISA assays, and flow-cytometry (FACS)
Experience with any of the following analytical techniques including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), isothermal calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF/DSC), and mass photometry
Experience integrating lab automation to enable instrument setup and characterization workflows (Tecan, Biomek, Hamilton, or similar)
Hands-on experience with protein conjugation techniques
Experience developing microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or flow-based research
Fluency in a modern programming language such as C++, Python, or similar

Responsibilities

In support of program priorities, deliver detailed molecular interaction characterization data and analysis of therapeutic candidates from optimized methods using state-of-the-art technologies including SPR (Carterra LSA and Biacore), BLI (Octet), and KinExA
Present research findings at group meetings, project meetings, and at external meetings
Contribute to program strategy as a characterization representative on project teams
Collaborate with team members to expand characterization and developability workflows for analysis and optimization of lead biologic molecules
Actively develop talent, strategically maximize to complement and strengthen our team
Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability and inclusion
Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications