Job Description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering for a direct hire opportunity with one of our clients, a stealth-mode biotechnology company in the Los Angeles, CA area. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.

Workplace: Onsite Los Angeles, CA area

Shift: M-F 8a-5p

Salary range: $140,000-180,0000

Role Overview

As a Principal Scientist in Protein Engineering , you will be at the cutting edge of scientific discovery, transforming research into real-world therapeutic innovations. You will lead the protein engineering function, managing a talented team and utilizing state-of-the-art AI-based modeling tools. This is a unique opportunity to assist in preparing impactful data packages for patent applications, internal reviews, and public presentations, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and CRO partners to achieve program milestones.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

• Strategize and oversee protein engineering workflows, ensuring efficient resource allocation, timeline adherence, and risk management.
• Inspire and guide junior scientists, setting high data quality standards and fostering career development.
• Develop and uphold rigorous data integrity systems encompassing sequence/construct registries, plasmid maps, and protein inventories.
• Engage and manage CRO collaborations, ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Design and deliver test articles for pioneering protein-based therapeutic candidates in animal studies.

Design & Discovery

• Spearhead structure-guided protein engineering to enhance affinity, specificity, stability, and developability for innovative binders/shuttles.
• Harness AI tools for structural modeling, artfully interpreting outputs to inform experimental hypotheses.
• Lead discovery campaigns focusing on library strategy, hit triage, and maturation, driving innovation at every stage.

Characterization & Analytics

• Execute and assess protein binding assays with precision, developing robust SOPs and controls ensuring data integrity.
• Coordinate biophysical/analytical characterizations, aligning closely with internal and external teams.

Communication, IP & Strategy

• Transform complex results into clear, compelling visuals and narratives for invention disclosures, patent filings, and strategic updates.
• Provide quantitative insights and rationale for target/product evaluations, influencing the strategic direction of our pipeline.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and excellence in cross-functional communication.
• Expertise in structure-guided protein engineering and proficiency in SPR assay design and analysis.
• Hands-on experience with AI/ML-enabled structural tools and operational excellence in data management.

Preferred

• Expertise in receptor-mediated delivery, BBB biology, or bioconjugate domains.
• Depth in sophisticated analytical techniques and a history of contributing to patent/IP landscapes.

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