Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist Protein Engineering and Biophysics

Position Summary

Rakuten Medical is looking for a highly motivated individual to drive discovery of new therapeutic antibodies and biophysical characterization of proteins as well as protein-protein interactions. This role will support the innovation stage as well and development towards the clinical proof of concept of new biologics. This role is for a hands-on, lab-based research scientist with technical expertise protein engineering, molecular biology, high throughput screening, surface plasmon resonance, a range of biophysical techniques for protein characterization, and biochemical/in vitro assay development. The position will also encompass identification and application of new technologies and workflows. The candidate is expected to work in a highly collaborative environment, to demonstrate initiative in solving difficult technical challenges, to be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and support novel discovery programs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• • Designing and conducting experiments in the field of protein engineering, including protein design, construction, expression, purification, and characterization.
  • Developing strategies to guide the design and testing of engineered proteins with improved biological properties.
  • Design antibody discovery strategies using variety of techniques, including immunization, B-cell sorting and phage/yeast display to elicit diverse panels of antibodies.
  • Design and fully execute structure-based protein optimization projects such as humanization, specificity, potency and affinity, protein stabilization, pharmacokinetics, etc.
  • Apply antibody bioinformatics analysis to pipeline and external assets.
  • Apply in silico modelling tools and approaches in support of engineering projects.
  • Perform biophysical characterization of protein-protein interactions (i.e. SPR)
  • Apply concepts of molecular pharmacology related with ligan receptor interactions, including kinetic models, allosteric models, etc.
  • Propose and implement new protocols, assays and experimental designs to improve internal protein engineering platform (e.g. library design and cloning, panning, protein expression, screening and biophysical characterization).
  • Contribute to the ideation on novel pipeline candidates including antibodies, Fc fusion proteins, antibody fragments, bispecific antibodies, recombinant proteins, protein conjugates, protein- prodrugs, etc.
  • Serve as a scientific leader and/or subject matter expert on multiple project teams
  • Effectively communicate project updates and ideas to the Translational Science, project teams and broader company.
  • Staying abreast of the latest scientific and technology advancements in the field, especially in next generation biologics. Continually evaluating and incorporating new technologies to support antibody discovery, engineering and design.

Desired Education, Skills and Experience

• • PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant industry experience or Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant industry
  experience or bachelor’s degree with 12 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience with biotherapeutic lead generation through display-based methods (phage, yeast, ribosome, etc.), hybridoma and single B cell platforms.
  • Experience in the implementing novel antibody discovery platforms and high throughput screening is required
  • Hands-on experience in DNA construct design, DNA manipulation and molecular cloning (including restriction enzyme cloning, ligation-independent and assembly methodologies).
  • Experience with DNA analysis software such as DNAStar, Vector-NTI, SnapGene, or equivalent
  • Sound familiarity and experience with antibody sequences and properties (variable genes, Fc’s, Fc mutation, isotypes)
  • Experience with ADCs, bispecifics, multispecifics, minibodies, alternative scaffolds, etc.
  • Experience with the generation of cytokines and immune cytokines or other cytokine based scaffolds
  • Deep understanding and extensive experience with
  o biophysical techniques to measure and characterize protein-protein interactions
  o protein biochemistry methods
  o protein stability & folding
  • Extensive hands-on experience with biophysical methods such as SPR, Octet, MST, ITC, CD, SEC- MALS is required
  • Solid knowledge of the application of molecular pharmacology models for ligand receptor interactions, including kinetic models, allosteric interactions, insurmountable interactions, etc.
  • Extensive experience/familiarity with protein analytics including (MS, CE, HPLC, etc.)
  • Experience in CRO management (antibody discovery, protein production, etc.)
  • Knowledge/experience in immunology and oncology is a plus
  • A track record of scientific accomplishments in biologics drug development as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, or pipeline contributions
  • Track record of supporting the development for biologics that entered into clinical development stage
  • Willing to work with a fast pace technical operations / pharmacology team setting to ensure deliverables are met on-time.
  • The individual are expected to independently become proficient in new and diverse experimental techniques, be able to multi-tasks and meet timelines efficiently and productively
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent emotional intelligence to handle a high pace environment with multiple team members and perspectives.

Physical Demands

This position requires laboratory work, frequent sitting, computer operation, standing, walking, talking, hearing and ability to lift 20 pounds. This position may require some business travel (including overnight stays and domestic and international travel) by air/rail/auto of less than 5%.