Senior Scientist

Company: Principia Biopharma Inc.
Location: Framingham
Posted on: May 31, 2021

Job Description:

Position Overview:

At Sanofi we are committed in our quest to be a world-class biologics research organization and are steadfast in our goal to bring next generation, transformative therapies to patients. Our global Large Molecule Research (LRM) platform consists of five sites, and approximately 550 personnel focused on antibodies, nanobodies and synthorins as therapeutic modalities. Our platform enables and partners closely with other research platforms and Sanofi's therapeutic areas (Immunology, Oncology, Rare Disease and Neurology) in the discovery and ultimate delivery of new candidate molecules into our pipeline.

To continue to build on our success in these efforts we are seeking an experienced, versatile, and self-driven individual to join the Antibody Discovery group at our US Boston site. This position will play a critical role in shaping lead discovery efforts of next generation biotherapeutics in Immunology and IO therapeutic areas, with strong focus on multi-specific modalities. The successful candidate will have demonstrated in-depth understanding of in vitro display (i.e., mammalian, phage or yeast) methodologies, antibody discovery workflows, protein engineering, sequence analysis and excel in a fast-paced environment. The candidate will be responsible for advanced lab activities, project leadership and is expected to impact at the organizational level in a matrix team environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a group of accomplished scientists focused on the design and realization of advanced therapeutic modalities, including multi-specific antibodies such as those that have recently entered the clinic (see: DOI: 10.1126/science.aan8630 and DOI: 10.1038/s43018-019-0004-z).

Key Responsibilities:

• Design target-focused in vitro antibody discovery strategies and carry out discovery campaigns using synthetic, nave and immunized antibody libraries.

• Apply in vitro display, molecular biology, high throughput screening, kinetic profiling and rational antibody engineering techniques to generate novel biotherapeutics to target the immune system.

• Develop and implement HT biochemical assays (ELISA, flow cytometry, SPR, etc.) in support of hit identification.

• Deep mine NGS data sets from in vitro discovery campaigns.

• Bring new ideas for scientific innovation / technology development and champion them to proof-of-concept studies.

• Carry out lead optimization campaigns such as affinity maturation, pH-dependent binding, etc.

• Act as a biologics core project team member to provide technical guidance and leadership to pre-clinical project teams.

• Manage several projects simultaneously and act as point of accountability for in vitro display efforts on projects.

• Work collaboratively with other antibody discovery teams, locally and globally.

• Participate in scientific due diligences of external platform and asset in-licensing opportunities.

• Analyze and present data, both in written reports and oral presentations.

• Effectively manage projects and resources to maximize progress.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular or Structural Biology or a closely related field + 3 years of relevant experience in academic or biopharmaceutic setting or MS + 5 years of relevant experience or BS +8 years of relevant experience.

• Sound understanding and record of accomplishment in antibody engineering.

• Hands-on experience with antibody phage/yeast display, HT screening, flow cytometry and kinetic analysis is required.

• Experience with library construction, NGS/deep mining, multi-specific modalities, alternative antibody scaffolds, interleukin biology and engineering is highly preferred.

• Highly analytical mind, attention to detail, and organizational skills are critical.

• Self-starter with a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

• Ability to work independently to design and trouble-shoot experiments.

Important note: Large Molecule Research laboratory will relocate to Cambridge, MA in Q2 2022. The geographic location of this position in Framingham is therefore only temporary (through Q2 2022).

Sanofi Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

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At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.

Keywords: Principia Biopharma Inc., Framingham , Senior Scientist, Other , Framingham, Massachusetts