Associate Director – BioMolecular Interactions Group, Protein Analytics & Developability

Associate Director – BioMolecular Interactions Group, Protein Analytics & Developability

Join AstraZeneca's Biologics Engineering (BE) team, where we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated scientist to lead our Biomolecular Interactions Group (BMIG) within the multidisciplinary Protein Analytics & Developability team. You will spearhead efforts in evaluating biomolecular interactions using a repertoire of biochemical and biophysical methods, with a primary focus on biosensor-based SPR and BLI. This role is pivotal in enabling rapid characterization of outputs from diverse mAb discovery streams, innovative AI and ML-powered optimization platforms, lead candidate selection, and the swift advancement of biotherapeutics through the pipeline. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in automation and High-Throughput (HT) biosensor-based biologics characterization technologies. You will train and mentor a talented team of scientists and provide expertise to cross-functional project teams. The position is located at the AZ strategic site in Gaithersburg, MD.

Accountabilities

As the leader of the Biomolecular Interactions Group, your main responsibilities will include:
- Drive the design and execution of HT biologics characterization assays and workflows, including binding kinetics, affinity, ligand blocking, epitope mapping, co-engagement, etc., using biosensor-based techniques such as SPR (Biacore, Carterra) and BLI (Octet).
- Lead a team of scientists supporting pipeline projects and technology development, providing technical oversight and strategic guidance in assay design, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
- Develop automated HT protocols for experiments and data capture workflows capable of handling large amounts of data.
- Collaborate with other members of the Protein Analytics and Developability team to optimize and automate HT workflows for stage-appropriate screening, characterization, and developability of complex biologics.
- Work with the Molecular Structure team to conduct structure/function analyses for complex biologics optimization using molecular modeling and experimental techniques.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in biosensor-based technologies and a key member on multidisciplinary project teams to support critical decision-making checkpoints throughout the discovery process.
- Champion efforts to maximize productivity, streamline processes, and expand Protein Analytics and Developability capabilities by integrating new and innovative technologies.
- Contribute to the preparation of IP filings and regulatory submissions.
- Represent the company at scientific conferences and engage with external partners and collaborators to stay current on advancements in the field.

Essential Skills/Experience
- PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bio/Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of post-PhD research experience, or MS with 10+ years of relevant experience.
- Deep expertise and extensive hands-on experience in conducting HT biomolecular interaction analysis of biologics of different modalities, such as antibodies, multispecifics, VH(H)s, and fragments using biosensor-based platforms and instrumentation such as Biacore, Carterra, and Octet. Proficiency with Kinexa is considered advantageous.
- Ability to design, perform, analyze, and troubleshoot kinetics, affinity, epitope binning, ligand blocking, co-engagement, and other SPR-based assays. Expertise in instrumentation hardware and software. Experience developing automated templates for experimental setup and data analysis.
- Extensive experience in high-throughput screening, liquid handling robotics, laboratory automation, and automated HT data analysis.
- Fundamental understanding of quality control and key parameters of analytical techniques: sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, goodness of fit, and statistical analysis.
- Knowledge of additional protein analytics and developability techniques including SEC-MALS, DLS, LC-MS, nanoDSF, DSC, cIEF, CE-SDS.
- Knowledge of protein structure and modeling software and techniques, including X-ray crystallography and SAXS will be an advantage.
- Experience working with Genedata Biologics.
- Ability to effectively manage and develop a team of scientists.
- Advanced presentation skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to a diverse group of scientists and leadership.

Desired skilexperience:

-Relevant experience in Big Pharma or Biotech

Join us at AstraZeneca to make a meaningful impact—apply today!

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $128,631.20 - 192,946.80. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.