Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

ROLE SUMMARY

BioMedicine Design (BMD) is seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join a protein engineering group supporting the Biotherapeutics portfolio of Pfizer, Inc. in La Jolla, CA. Responsibilities will be driving therapeutic innovation through technology development and contributing to the pipeline, including designing and hands-on execution of molecular biology, protein expression, protein purification, and protein engineering tasks. In-depth understanding of protein structure-function relationship and cutting-edge protein engineering techniques will be key to this position. The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in the design of protein/antibody constructs, protein expression and purification, and has good understanding of biology.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Integral member of a highly-collaborative team executing on time-sensitive protein engineering projects all the way from antibody/antigen design & generation through protein purification and characterization.
• Independently evaluate and trouble-shoot experiments in a timely manner.
• Participate in developing creative approaches to discover and optimize antibody-based biologics, evaluate novel modalities
• Desire to understand underlying biology and mechanism of targets and biologics and ability to run biological assays.
• Present results regularly at team meetings and drive data-driven decisions
• Perform diligent and timely note-keeping and work process tracking

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/structural biology or a related discipline is required with at least 2+ years of post-doctoral training.
• Extensive experience engineering proteins with desired properties
• Technically proficient in protein engineering tools, including construct design, molecular biology (restriction cloning, Gibson assembly), protein expression in E.coli and mammalian/insect cell systems, protein purification (affinity chromatography, SEC, ion exchange, gravity or chromatography mode) and characterization (SDS-PAGE, endotoxin, binding, in vitro activity).
• Experience with data analysis and presentation software
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• An innovator with track record in molecular design of biologics, of creative and proactive approach to problem solving, and strong analytical skills.
• Strong track record of scientific accomplishments demonstrated through publications in highly regarded journals and/or intellectual property generation.
• Strong motivation, passion and commitment to science and engineering of novel entities
• Ability and desire to work in an interdisciplinary scientific team and the desire to learn new techniques
• The ability to work closely with other group members within teams is essential

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with antibody and biotherapeutic discovery and a working knowledge of antibody molecules
• R&D experience in an industry setting with good understanding of biologics drug development is preferred
• Training in immunology and cell biology is highly desirable. Previous experience with antibody engineering
• Experience with high throughput screening methods
• Experience with protein display methods
• Experience with protein-small molecule conjugation is a plus
• Experience with LC/MS characterization of protein samples, especially for antibodies and other biotherapeutics would be desirable
• Familiar with protein modeling tools such as Rosetta

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, sitting, standing, walking, bending, ability to perform mathematical calculations and ability to perform complex data analysis tasks.

#LI-PFE

Other Job Details:

• Eligible for Employee Referral Bonus

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Research and Development