Location:  Indianapolis, IN

Ideal Candidate:

7+ to 10 years of experience
Management Experience Required – No
Minimum Education – Doctoral

This is a technical leadership position within the Protein Optimization Team of Biotechnology Discovery Research with responsibility for identification and evaluation of therapeutic lead molecules, material generation, characterization, and optimization of biotherapeutics as projects progress from target identification to lead optimization and development. In addition to providing technical leadership for projects, the individual will supervise scientists with BS, MS and/or Ph.D. degrees, propose strategies and future directions to meet project and departmental goals, and effectively communicate progress to management and governance committees. This candidate will interact cross-functionally within Biotechnology Discovery Research and Applied Molecular Evolution, as well as the Drug Hunting Teams in different therapeutic areas, Drug Disposition, Regulatory and Bioproduct Development, as projects move from the bench/concept to the clinic.

KEY OBJECTIVES/DELIVERABLES:

Lead reseach efforts that support project teams from concept through Lead Optimization with responsibility for identification of lead therapeutic molecules, material generation and characterization of biopharmaceutical properties using biochemical and biophysical techniques, and implementing molecular engineering strategies to improve drug properties of therapeutic antibodies and proteins. This requires a broad repertoire of skills and knowledge including protein expression, protein purification, physicochemical characterization, as well as a strong understanding of protein engineering concepts.

Drug Hunting Focus: The candidate is expected to exhibit strong problem solving abilities and be familiar with understanding and resolving issues ranging from biology to bioproduct developability. Prior experience with the strategies employed in moving a therapeutic opportunity from a cellular or molecular concept to proof of principle confirmation in humans is seen as an advantage.

Leadership: In advancing the optimization of lead therapeutic molecules, the candidate will be required to lead/co-lead multidisciplinary teams. Accordingly, strong communication and presentation skills in sharing research findings and team plans, and effective team work will be required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A Ph.D. degree in the biological or chemical sciences

8 to 12 years of experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company with a demonstrated leadership in protein structure function analyses and protein engineering and a track record of advancing biotherapeutics, e.g. therapeutic proteins or antibodies from concept to clinical development.

5-8 years of supervisory experience in directing other scientists, including Ph.D. level senior scientists, in the design and execution of experiments is required

Deep expertise of protein structure and post-translational modifications, and experience using state of the art analytical methods to characterize proteins, as demonstrated by publications or patents.

ADDITIONAL PREFERENCES:

Strong communication and presentation skills, in sharing research findings and team plans, and effective team work will be required.

Appreciation of protein formulation requirements and experience incorporating pharmaceutical developability assessment in protein optimization and candidate identification.

Understanding of the global regulatory requirements to advance biotherapeutics through clinical development.

Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, and excellent organizational, communication and presentation skills.

Location:  Indianapolis, IN

Ideal Candidate: 

2+ to 5 years of experience
Management Experience Required – No
Education – BS or MS (This is not a PhD position)
Willingness to Travel – Occasionally

This cross functional position is an integral part of the Protein Optimization Characterization lab within the Protein Optimization Team of Biotechnology Discovery Research, which is responsible for generating, characterizing, and optimizing biotherapeutics from lead generation to lead optimization and preclinical development. We are seeking a motivated research associate with a BS or MS degree in biochemistry or related field that exhibits a broad analytical aptitude who can function in a highly collaborative environment performing analytical purification and biochemical characterization of proteins/peptides in a multidisciplinary team focusing on optimizing therapeutic properties of biotherapeutics.

KEY OBJECTIVES/DELIVERABLES:

The individual will perform mass spectrometry of proteins and peptides to support multiple drug discovery programs.

Additionally, they will perform appropriate protein sample preparation methods (e.g. in gel digestion, in solution digestion, protein/peptide separation on HPLC, etc.).

The individual will be responsible performing intact mass analysis, peptide mapping and LC MS/MS analysis.

Additionally the successful candidate will operate, maintain and troubleshoot liquid chromatography, mass spectrometers and auxiliary instrumentation.

The individual will also employ scientific background and communication skills to professionally support investigators by recommending sample preparation methods, advising in experimental design, and assisting in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of experimental results in conjunction with other staff within the Protein Optimization Team.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A BS with more than two years of research experience or MS degree in protein biochemistry or related field is required.

This position requires knowledge and experience of HPLC, LC-MS, and LC MS/MS-based protein analysis and hands-on experience with purification and characterization of proteins

Characterize proteins by performing intact mass analysis, peptide mapping and LC MS/MS

Analytical biochemistry technique experience