Director Protein Engineering & Novel Modalities

We are seeking a talented and highly influential leader to effectively direct and manage a multidisciplinary team of highly experienced scientists to advance bispecific antibody technologies and deliver bispecific programs into the pipeline.

In this role, you will collaborate with project leaders across all therapeutic areas to understand the target biology and to directly steer and influence discussions and decisions related to the development of an appropriate drug modality. As a recognized leader with a proven publication track record in the field of protein engineering and antibody drug development, you will expand existing bispecific platform technologies and drive scientific innovation contributing to AstraZeneca pipeline progression. While working productively and proficiently in a highly dynamic, scientifically rigorous and fast-paced environment, you will effectively represent the department in cross-functional meetings, governance committees and due diligences.    

Summary of the Group

Biologics Engineering (BE) is responsible for the discovery and optimization of next generation biologics to create biological drug candidates for all key therapeutic areas such as oncology, respiratory and inflammation, cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and infectious diseases. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs.

Position Requirements & Responsibilities:

• Lead and expand a team of scientists to advance innovative bispecific technologies and support bispecific pipeline progression.
• Collaborate and work closely with scientific leads across all therapeutic areas to ensure timely progress of pipeline projects and drive technological innovations.
• Direct and progress bispecific programs from early discovery to development stage.
• Establish high-level of scientific innovation and develop bispecific technologies for enhanced selectivity, improved developability, and reduced off-target and off-organ toxicities to ensure scientific excellence and effective achievement of research goals.
• Track record of scientific innovation as evidenced by strong scientific publications, inventorship on patents and presentations at major conferences.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Ph.D in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or other relevant scientific field with 10+ years of experience in antibody engineering and/or bispecific antibody technologies in the Biotech or Biopharmaceutical industry

Required Skills:

• Proven record in antibody drug development and driving bispecific programs from early discovery into development stage.
• Proven ability to lead a team, setting goals and objectives, motivate and develop others and influence recruitment of high performing staff.
• Extensive hands-on experience in molecular biology, antibody design and engineering and characterization of various bispecific antibody formats.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators while working effectively in a collaborative team environment across multiple functions.
• Track record of problem solving, risk management, negotiating and influencing skills
• Strong industry leadership experience, excellent written and verbal communication skills and effective presentation of complex scientific reports to cross-functional and senior management teams are essential for this role.

Desired Skills:

• Strong background in immunology, T cell biology and cancer biology.
• Strong experience in structure/function-based techniques, including crystallography, Cryo EM.
• Deep understanding of various imaging/multicolor flow cytometry-based instruments and data analysis programs.
• Experience in antibody discovery using one of several display-based technologies is preferred but not essential.
• Experience in development of in vivo mouse models and subsequent analysis for efficacy and PK.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $172,672.00 - $259,008.00. 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.