Job Title: Senior Scientist/Scientist – Bispecific Antibody Engineering
Date: January 10, 2025
FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt
Manager: Principal Scientist, Head of Protein Engineering
Department: Research
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Job Code: BIO-25-003
BlueSphere Bio, based in Pittsburgh, is an immunotherapy company pioneering the development of novel TCR therapies. The company aims to unlock the potential of personalized T-cell therapy for cancer treatment by leveraging the unique specificity of each patient’s T cells to target the molecular fingerprint of their individual cancer.
Purpose
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Scientist/Scientist to join our dynamic team focused on the design and development of bispecific T cell engagers and related therapeutic modalities. The ideal candidate will leverage a deep understanding of protein engineering, therapeutic antibody development, and T-cell receptor (TCR) biology to drive the discovery and optimization of next-generation bispecific platforms. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, collaborative environment dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Design & Development: Engineer bispecific proteins using a range of platforms and technologies, with an emphasis on improving efficacy, stability, and manufacturability.
- Molecular Engineering: Perform molecular design, construct generation, and DNA and vector engineering using state-of-the-art software and tools.
- Expression & Purification: Expression and purification of engineered proteins using mammalian and microbial expression systems.
- Characterization: Conduct biophysical and functional characterization (e.g., SPR/BLI, HPLC, ELISA, MS) to evaluate binding kinetics, stability, and conformational integrity.
- Assay Development: Collaborate with assay development teams to establish in vitro and in vivo systems for functional evaluation of bispecific candidates.
- TCR Integration and affinity maturation: Incorporate knowledge of TCR structure and sequence into the design and optimization of bispecific molecules targeting antigens. Experienced with generating
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with immunology, oncology, and translational science teams to guide therapeutic discovery and preclinical development.
- Pipeline Contribution: Support integration of bispecific antibody candidates into the pipeline, providing data and strategic insights for IND-enabling studies.
- Leadership & Mentorship: Lead scientific initiatives, manage project timelines, and mentor junior scientists or research associates.
Qualifications and Work Experience
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or related fields is required
- At least 2-5 years of post-graduate professional technical experience in a research environment.
- Alternatively, Master’s degree with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Proven expertise in antibody engineering and bispecific antibody design.
- Familiarity with antibody optimization techniques, including display technologies (e.g., phage, yeast, or mammalian).
- Hands-on experience with modern molecular biology techniques, protein engineering, and structure-guided design.
- Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression, purification, and characterization techniques.
- Deep understanding of TCR structure and signaling, with experience in designing therapeutic molecules targeting TCRs or related pathways preferred.
- Familiarity with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), T-cell engagers, or other immune-based therapeutic modalities is a plus.
- Understanding of computational modeling tools for antibody and TCR design is desirable.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail and data interpretation.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey scientific findings and project updates.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Prism, MATLAB, PyMOL) and molecular biology tools (e.g., SnapGene, Geneious).
Preferred Attributes
- Familiarity with antibody optimization, including affinity maturation and humanization.
- Knowledge of translational and clinical considerations for bispecific antibody and TCR-targeting candidates.
Physical and Mental Requirements
- You will be expected to occasionally (1% to 20% of the time):
- Climb stairs, ramps, ladders. Etc.
- Stoop/crouch by bending your legs or bending down/forward at the waist
- Reach by extending the hands/arms
- Stand on your feet
- Lift objects from one level to another (30 lbs. or less)
- Carry objects (30 lbs. or less)
- Travel (negligible)
- You will be expected to frequently (21% to 50% of the time):
- Walk around the facility on foot
- You will be expected to constantly (at least 51% of the time):
- Sit in a normal seated position
BlueSphere Bio is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement), veteran status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, HIV-positive status, possession of the sickle cell trait, genetic characteristics, political views, and any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.
