Senior Antibody Design Lead

We have an opening for a Senior Antibody Design Lead to join ongoing projects developing innovative biologics against infectious diseases.  You will be responsible for overseeing the development of antibody drug products from concept to transition to commercial partners. You will lead activities conducted by cross-functional teams that include exploring technical feasibility, developing strategy, performing computational design, and performing laboratory validation. You will have extensive experience with infectious disease and managing translational research processes aimed at preparing biologics for pre-clinical trials. This position is in the Microbiology/Immunology group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

This position will be filled at either the SES.4 or the SES.5 level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Lead the development of antibody drug products. This includes coordinating and leading subject matter experts to assist in exploring technical feasibility and strategic aims of potential new antibody products, working with team leads responsible for computational antibody design, and working with teams leads responsible for antibody production and characterization,
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D efforts on new assay development and new laboratory technologies.
• Collaborate with external partners that provide reagents, assays, and/or protein production capabilities.
• Develop product development strategies, including working with project manager to define and track highly complex multi-year project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Prepare scientific reports summarizing results from highly complex research activities performed onsite and with partner organizations.
• Work with laboratory director to oversee recombinant mammalian and bacterial protein expression and purification.
• Interface with computational teams performing computational design.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and collaborators.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in antibody technology.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.5 level

• Anticipate project shortcomings in advance and direct resources to develop effective solutions to improve efficiency in key areas relevant antibody design and discovery.
• Initiate and/or lead collaborative projects requiring involvement of broader scientific community external to LLNL.
• Lead multi-location research teams, including summarizing research results in peer-reviewed journals,

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related field the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
•  Highly advanced experience in antibody product development for infectious diseases, including experience in antibody generation and development, biomarker development, assay design, and antibody purification
• Substantial knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biotechnology
• Expert with laboratory management, including molecular biology and cell biology
• Substantial experience with recombinant mammalian and bacterial protein expression and purification
• Expert  leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Significant experience developing and managing workflows for high throughput antibody production and screening platforms.
• Expert written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports and to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

Additional qualifications at the SES.5 level:

• Significant experience with regulatory submissions and compliance
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and developing successful product development strategies
• Expertise in library display technologies for high throughput screening, e.g., mammalian cell-based expression/display, yeast display, and/or other platforms.
• Extensive experience with additional protein purification and characterization techniques.
• Experience developing and managing workflows for large-scale (batch) antibody production, purification, and characterization.
• Experience with automated workflows and automation platforms (e.g., Hamilton robotic liquid handlers)

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

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Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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