Scientist I, Biotherapeutics

Position Summary: PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC) is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Scientist I, Biotherapeutics to join the Biologics Platform team. The successful candidate will support discovery and early development of innovative biologic therapeutics, including antibodies, cytokines, multi-specifics, and T cell engagers. This role will focus on the identification, characterization, and optimization of lead candidates through integrated protein engineering, immune-cell assay development, and mechanism-of-action studies. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in protein, immunology, and/or cancer biology, along with hands-on experience designing and/or evaluating therapeutic molecules in immunology or immuno-oncology discovery projects. As a valued contributor to a growing and dynamic team, this individual will help drive our mission to develop transformative therapies for patients. Summary of Key Responsibilities: Contribute to pipeline program and discovery project workstreams supporting target validation, candidate selection, and lead candidate optimization. Collaborate with internal research teams, external partners, and CROs to integrate experimental data with candidate selection criteria. Prepare high-quality internal presentations, scientific reports, external publications, or conference presentations, as appropriate. Stay current with emerging advances in immuno-oncology and relevant therapeutic modalities and communicate key findings internally. Provide scientific input within project teams and support the training or mentorship of junior team members. Essential Qualifications: PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology or a related scientific discipline, with 0–2 years of relevant post-PhD experience in an academic or industry research setting. Experience with antibody, multi-specific, or other protein-based therapeutics, including formatting, production, characterization (e.g., affinity, epitope, developability), and functional evaluation. Hands-on experience designing, executing, and interpreting immune cell-based assays, including flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, co-cultures, and other immunoassays. Demonstrated ability to independently advance scientific projects, collaborate cross-functionally, and communicate scientific findings clearly through written reports, presentations, publications, patents, or related scientific outputs. Proficiency with data analysis and molecular biology software, such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Geneious, etc. Collaborative, flexible, and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic research environment. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in cancer immunology and immuno-oncology. Working knowledge of emerging and established protein engineering technologies such as AI/ML-based protein optimization, structure-based rational mutagenesis, or combinatorial display-based technologies such as yeast and phage. Working knowledge of in vivo tumor model design, data analysis, interpretation, and translational relevance. Equal Employment Opportunity At PharmaEssentia Innovation Research Center (PIRC), we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. PIRC does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to PIRC employees or HR will become the property of PIRC without obligation or fee. At PharmaEssentia, our goal is to treat as many people with cancer as possible. That means challenging the status quo with better science that leads to better lives. By joining our team, you will not only expand your own possibilities, but you will contribute to expanding options for people with cancer.