Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

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
Position Title: Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering
Salary range: $ 14...
Company Description
Join a pioneering stealth-mode biotechnology company at the forefront of developing next-generation brain shuttling strategies for neurological disorders. Our client is passionate about driving innovations that transform therapeutic delivery to the brain, poised to address some of the most challenging medical needs today.
Join Kelly Science and Clinical, where we connect passionate professionals with groundbreaking opportunities in the scientific community. We are representing an innovative, venture-backed biotech startup dedicated to tackling one of the most pressing challenges in therapeutic development: targeted delivery to difficult-to-reach tissues. This client, based in Thousand Oaks, California, is pioneering a modular platform to enhance the therapeutic index of biologics. They are committed to scientific rigor, creativity, and collaboration, seeking ambitious, inquisitive colleagues to help shape the next groundbreaking chapter in their journey.
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.

Why Join Us:
Be a vital part of a trailblazing team where your contributions are valued and impactful. Embrace the opportunity to innovate in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, advancing the future of treatment for neurological disorders.
If your qualifications align with the requirements of this role, we invite you to apply and take the next step in your career journey. Rest assured, even if this opportunity isnt the perfect match, your profile will remain within our network, ensuring youre connected to a wealth of future opportunities in the field of science and clinical research.
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