Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering (Phage Display) at Abata Therapeutics

San Diego, California, United States

Abata Therapeutics Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
BiotechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience (or M.S. with 5+ years at Scientist level)
  • Hands-on experience with phage display platforms and antibody selection techniques
  • Strong understanding of antibody structure-function relationships and engineering strategies
  • Proficiency in molecular cloning, library construction, sequencing, and cell-based expression systems (bacterial, yeast, mammalian)
  • Experience with analytical tools such as ELISA, liquid handler automation, plate-based assays, flow cytometry, and affinity measurements (SPR, BLI)
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Highly proficient with Excel and molecular biology software (e.g., Geneious)

Responsibilities

  • Design, construct, and quality check phage display libraries used in peptide and antibody-based screening campaigns targeting diverse antigens
  • Screen synthetic and immune phage libraries for high-affinity binders
  • Characterize peptide and antibody candidates using biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays (e.g., ELISA, BLI, flow cytometry)
  • Develop directed evolution libraries and execute screening methods to optimize peptide and antibody formats for improved affinity, stability, and developability
  • Collaborate with protein sciences and protein engineering teams to produce and validate peptide and antibody candidates
  • Analyze sequencing data from phage pools and selected clones to identify lead candidates
  • Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records and present findings in internal meetings
  • Contribute to patent filings, publications, and regulatory documentation as needed
  • Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and innovation
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Phage DisplayAntibody DiscoveryMolecular CloningLibrary DesignLibrary ConstructionDNA SequencingCell-based ExpressionELISABLIFlow CytometryDirected Evolution

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this Senior Scientist position?

The salary range is $144,000 - $153,000 a year.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key required skills for this role?

Key required skills include hands-on experience with phage display platforms and antibody selection techniques, proficiency in molecular cloning, library construction, sequencing, and cell-based expression systems, and experience with analytical tools such as ELISA, flow cytometry, and affinity measurements like SPR or BLI.

What is the work environment like at Janux Therapeutics?

The role involves working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced biotech environment as a key member of the R&D team, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.

What qualifications make a strong candidate for this position?

A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related field with 2+ years of relevant industry or postdoctoral experience (or M.S. with 5+ years), plus hands-on expertise in phage display and antibody discovery techniques, stands out. Preferred experience includes NGS analysis, other display technologies, developability profiling, and therapeutic antibody development.

Abata Therapeutics

Develops therapies for autoimmune diseases

About Abata Therapeutics

Abata Therapeutics develops therapies for autoimmune diseases, focusing on type 1 diabetes. Their main product, ABA 201, is a Treg cell therapy aimed at patients with some remaining beta cell function. This therapy works by utilizing regulatory T cells to improve patient outcomes. Unlike many competitors, Abata targets a specific niche within the autoimmune disease market and collaborates with partners like ElevateBio for process development and manufacturing. The company's goal is to transform treatment options for autoimmune diseases through advanced research and development.

Cambridge, MassachusettsHeadquarters
2021Year Founded
$184.8MTotal Funding
EARLY_VCCompany Stage
BiotechnologyIndustries
11-50Employees

Risks

Intensifying competition from companies like Sangamo Therapeutics may impact Abata's market share.
Stringent FDA scrutiny on manufacturing could delay Abata's clinical trials.
Rising clinical trial costs pose financial risks to Abata's pipeline progression.

Differentiation

Abata focuses on Treg cell therapies for autoimmune diseases like MS and diabetes.
Their lead product, ABA 201, targets type 1 diabetes with remaining beta cell function.
Abata's strategic partnership with ElevateBio enhances their manufacturing capabilities.

Upsides

Recent investment from Bristol Myers Squibb boosts Abata's Treg therapy pipeline development.
FDA's accelerated approval pathways may expedite Abata's clinical trials.
Growing autoimmune disease prevalence increases demand for Abata's innovative treatments.

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