Job Abstract

The Protein Biochemistry Group is seeking a highly motivated Associate Director to lead molecular profiling, developability and characterization of therapeutic proteins, representing a variety of formats. In this exciting role, you will also provide matrix – based support for the characterization of novel modalities such as gene therapy agents and oligonucleotides as well as complex therapeutic strategies and approaches.

• Participates in and oversees protein or new modality characterization to provide molecular profiles and developability assessments of therapeutic assests, that support the pipeline, in a timely manner and aligned with partner functions.
• Understand current computational biophysics approaches (workflows, software) for building static and dynamic models (in silico profiles) that compliment experimentally derived molecular data.
• Reviews the literature and works with their team to design experiments that solve biophysical problems for key stakeholders.
• Supervises and supports scientists with critical data review as well as career development. Builds an effective molecular characterization team.
• Ability and enthusiasm for independently learning new methods and softwares. Is a go-to resource for explaining and solving biophysical problems.
• Practical knowledge of downstream purification, analytical method and formulation development of biologics and drug product profiles aligned with therapeutic strategies.

• Have in-depth knowledge of macromolecular physical chemistry especially solution interactions and hands-on experience in protein characterization using a variety of analytical tools
• Have established computational and molecular modeling experience to compliment in silico - derived information with experimental data
• Are an effective communicator of ideas, project goals and results to team members within the group and with colleagues in collaborating departments
• Can proactively identify issues and develop solutions in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment

This role requires a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, biophysics, biochemistry, chemical engineering or equivalent with at least 9 years post-doctoral training combined with industry experience in characterization of therapeutic protein candidates. Extensive experience with computational biophysics and molecular static and dynamic modeling. Practical experience with standard modeling softwares such as (but not limited to) Schrodinger (or MOE), Discovery Studio, Gromacs, Gaussian etc. Knowledge of and demonstrated expertise with light scattering, liquid chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis instrumentation is essential. Experience in spectroscopic (e.g. CD, fluorescence, and/or FTIR) principles and applications for analysis of proteins, size-based (AUC, LC, MALS) and charge-based (e.g. icIEF, IEX) separation techniques is important. Mass spec experience a plus. Experience of developing and troubleshooting analytical methods and must demonstrate the ability to plan, design, implement laboratory experimentation to advance projects. as well as experience with statistical and experimental design, molecular modeling, graphing and mathematical analysis softwares is also important.