Research Scientist, Antibody Discovery & Engineering, In Vivo Based Methods

$108,500 - $108,500/Yr

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Senior

Cambridge, MA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

At Takeda, we are a forward-looking, world-class R&D organization that unlocks innovation and delivers transformative therapies to patients. By focusing R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas and other targeted investments, we push the boundaries of what is possible in order to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. As a Research Scientist, you will utilize state-of-the-art discovery technology and create novel treatments to make a significant impact on patients' lives in the fields of Oncology, Gastroenterology, and Neuroscience. Your core remit will be to contribute to the swift and efficient discovery of biologic therapeutics using in vivo based approaches. This role requires deep scientific engagement and involvement in programs, helping to define the best path forward based on therapeutic needs, designing immunization strategies, performing immunizations and animal handling, and conducting high-throughput antibody discovery using technologies such as single B cell cloning coupled with NGS. You will also need to be familiar with associated screening workflows and data analysis, possessing a sound knowledge of B cell biology, humoral immunity, and immunoglobulin genetics. Familiarity with basic building block biologics such as IgG, Fab, and sdAb, as well as the ability to design and optimize lead candidates using display-based technologies (yeast, phage), may also be part of your responsibilities. As part of the Biotherapeutic Engineering team, you will report to the Senior Director and interface closely with cross-functional project team members to make data-driven decisions that impact the pipeline. Your strong experience in antibody and biologic discovery will be crucial, and recognizing and streamlining the most efficient ways of working will be a high priority in this role. You will need tremendous drive and motivation to deliver (and exceed) team and program goals while pushing the boundaries to enhance discovery and optimization. Excellent networking and collaboration within the team will be critical for optimal performance and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Utilize in vivo based discovery platforms to provide guidance on candidate profiles for differing target types.
• Design and execute immunization strategies, including defining the best immunogen, adjuvant, and immunization routes.
• Conduct immunizations using transgenic mice and oversee strategies with other species such as llama.
• Execute a wide array of immunization methodologies autonomously, utilizing diverse immunization routes and gene gun strategies.
• Perform animal tissue harvest, B cell separation, and refined enrichment techniques for antigen-specific antibody screening.
• Conduct single-cell RT-PCR, PCR, molecular cloning, and BCR sequence analysis for variable antibody regions.
• Collaborate with high-throughput mammalian expression teams for downstream expression and purification tasks.
• Work closely with NGS discovery team and incorporate thoughtful analysis throughout the discovery process.
• Prepare and present comprehensive technical or project reports and formal presentations to internal/external audiences.
• Interface with cross-functional teams, including members from the broader biologics team, disease areas, DMPK, and DSRE.
• Remain aware of the competitive landscape in the field through literature review.
• Contribute significantly to the strategies for biologics discovery and engineering of both discovery and final therapeutic modalities.

Requirements

• PhD degree in a scientific discipline (or equivalent), or MS with 6+ years relevant experience, or BS with 8+ years relevant experience.
• Demonstrates theoretical knowledge of in vivo antibody based discovery.
• Keeps current with emerging trends in the discipline.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Basic life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid volunteer time off
• Company holidays
• Well-being benefits
• Sick time accrual (up to 80 hours per calendar year)
• Paid vacation accrual (up to 120 hours for new hires)