Principal Scientist

About Firefly Bio:

Firefly specializes in Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs) which combine the unique strengths of ADCs with selective protein degraders. Our state-of-the-art platform results in highly specific delivery of degraders to target tissue. Our mission is to realize the full potential of ADCs by unlocking new classes of payloads. Our company culture is built on the values of Focus, Integrity, Respect and Energy.

Position Summary:

As a Principal Scientist, Protein Biophysical Characterization, you will play a critical role in a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing next-generation antibody and ADC therapeutics. You will lead the characterization, optimization, and validation of critical drug-like properties of antibodies and ADCs. A successful candidate will engineer lead candidate molecules and perform biophysical developability assessments. The position is lab-facing and on-site.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct state-of-the-art analytical and biophysical protein characterization methods to rapidly assess the developability of conjugated and non-conjugated antibodies, and evaluate new instruments and methods
• Conceptualize, plan, and conduct antibody and non-antibody protein engineering projects, such as FC engineering, binding epitope discovery, antibody humanization, and affinity tuning
• Prepare experiment and sample reports, upload data to databases, implement automated data capture, and participate in the management of sample inventory
• Participate in a cross-functional discovery team that develops and characterizes antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, and non-antibody proteins in collaboration with program projects
• Participate and advise as protein science representative on core project teams

Requirements and Experience:

• Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. antibody/protein engineering, antibody discovery, bioanalytics) with appropriate industry work experience 12+ years of work experience in a research and development environment post-academic training
• Demonstrated expertise with SPR or BLI (affinity, binning, ligand blocking), Chromatographic methods (anSEC, HIC, RP/NP-HPLC), antibody developability assessments (e.g. thermostability, immunogenicity, FcRn and FCgRs binding, poly specificity, self-association and aggregation), stability (e.g. forced degradation, DSC), and characterization techniques (e.g. CE-SDS, ciEF, ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry) of antibodies and non-antibody molecules including ADC
• Strong hands-on protein experience characterizing and analyzing the structure and function of proteins, antibodies, and drug conjugates with state-of-the-art biophysical and analytical and antibody engineering methods
• Strong knowledge of state-of-the-art instrumentation and maintenance
• Highly organized, diligent, and quality-focused with good computer, documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills (LIMS and Bioinformatics)
• Creativity and problem-solving skills paired with the ability to excel in a highly collaborative fast-paced environment

Additional Skills:

• Experience with formulation and developability studies of ADC molecules including analytical methods for CMC

Benefits:

Every team member is essential in shaping Firefly Bio's culture and science and for our success. We offer competitive compensation packages including stock options and the opportunity to be part of ground-breaking research. Firefly Bio is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment. Firefly Bio does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.