(Senior) Scientist, Protein Expression and Characterization - Pilsen

Company Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. 

Ampersand Biomedicines‘ Pilsen Team, formerly Abcheck and now a Flagship Pioneering Company, discovers and optimizes human therapeutic antibodies with one of the industry’s most versatile technology platforms. Tailored to specific needs and desired Target Product Profiles, the experienced team leverages both cutting-edge (e.g., microfluidics, rabbit mass humanization) and state-of-the-art (e.g., phage display libraries) technologies to provide high quality leads against a range of diverse targets.

Role Summary:

As Protein Scientist you will be responsible for the process of protein engineering and antigen expression for antibody discovery projects for Ampersand Biomedicines and external customers. Antibody discovery campaigns will include both AbCheck’s proprietary microfluidics pipeline as well as classical phage display approaches. You will work in tight collaboration with teams responsible for immunizations, screening and characterization of candidate antibodies and be responsible for timely delivery of antigen variants required for each part of the antibody discovery platform. The successful candidate will have relevant experience gained at academia or industry, the ability to execute multiple projects in parallel and experience in communication within and beyond the own team.

This role will be based in Plzeň, Czech Republic.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer novel antigen constructs tailored to the projects’ needs using diverse molecular biology and analytical techniques.
• Develop and implement lab scale mammalian expression workflows to rapidly yield antigen preparations with desired activity profile for antibody discovery campaigns.
• Execute lab scale antigen mammalian expression and purification using different chromatography techniques and determine their purity and function using SDS-PAGE, WB, SEC, ELISA, and SPR/BLI with the main focus on protein expression.
• Independently design, execute and troubleshoot experiments, analyze data, and routinely present findings during the Protein Sciences and cross-functional team meetings.
• Co-lead antibody discovery campaigns and effectively collaborate with the antibody discovery teams to align on antigen needs and possibilities.
• Manage a team of 1-2 direct reports and provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to ensure project goals are met effectively and in a timely manner.
• Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.

Qualifications/Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related field.
• Relevant molecular biology skills to design and prepare constructs and vectors with a strong experience with protein engineering, rational protein design, mammalian cell culture and mammalian lab scale expression is essential.
• Experience with protein purification techniques (affinity chromatography, size-exclusion, ion-exchange) and with protein characterization and analysis methods is a must
• Understanding of structural biology techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy is a plus.
• The candidate should possess strong leadership skills, including the ability to mentor 1-2 direct reports, delegate responsibilities, and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, detail-oriented and enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in a dynamic and multidisciplinary small biotech environment, specifically within the realm of mAb discovery and screening.
• Sense of responsibility in regard to experimental work, the team and the mission of Ampersand

Compensation and grade will be adjusted to the experience level of the applicant.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.