Associate Director, Protein Engineering and Structural Biology

Absci is a generative AI drug creation company on a mission to create better biologics for patients, faster. We are the company unlocking the design of new antibodies on a computer from scratch, and we’re just getting started. It will take a state-of-the-art wet lab, artificial Intelligence, and above all else a team of brilliant Unlimiters working together to achieve our vision of breakthrough therapeutics at the click of a button, for everyone. We are gritty, creative, and we are pushing the limits of science in a way that no one has done before because that’s how we will save lives. Join us as we redefine what’s possible.

Absci is a global company with a state-of-the-art lab and headquarters in the beautiful Pacific Northwest US, ten minutes from Portland, Oregon, and its AI Research Lab in the heart of New York City. Check out this short video to learn more and see how #Unlimiters are creating drugs at the speed of AI.

Associate Director, Protein Engineering and Structural Biology

Vancouver, WA (onsite)

Our Associate Director of Protein Engineering and Structural Biology will lead a team of highly specialized scientists who are at the forefront of achieving multiple Absci research and development goals. This position requires someone who exhibits Absci values, emphasizing Innovation, Collaboration, and Determination.

Responsibilities Include:

Scientific Leadership

• Lead Protein Engineering and Structural Biology Team to make significant antibody engineering contributions to all internal and external drug creation programs.
• Lead antibody engineering efforts to ensure the achievement of several experimental milestones, such as hit discovery, lead optimization, and functional validation.
• Mentor teams on themes in protein engineering, sharing expertise to make them better. Take on complex tasks across projects to ensure the removal of obstacles so teammates can be successful.

AI Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with the Artificial Intelligence (AI) team to synchronize the best strategies and practices to achieve our goals of establishing a world-class generative AI drug creation platform. This includes setting biological direction for product development, (e.g. determining biologically and pharmacologically significant sequence parameters for optimization)
• Leading structural data generation efforts and external partnership data acquisition for de novo design. Partnering with the AI team on model evaluation and design of in-silico metrics to establish AI model quality.

Innovation:

• Support efficient antibody selection technology for supporting our generative AI platform for antibody design. Develop a structure-based rational engineering platform for antibody engineering
• Hold the data being produced from the team and the quality of work to high standards. Report delays as soon as possible and take the initiative to improve experimental strategies.
• Lead and/or contribute to scientific excellence at Absci as exemplified by publications and patents.
• Develop novel technologies and inventions that push the limits of creativity. This includes developing efficient protocols for getting results rapidly and creating avenues where complex processes such as CDR grafting are utilized across multiple projects.

Qualifications:

• Candidates will hold a Ph.D. in the life sciences with minimum of 8 years of experience, thereof at least 3 in the biopharma industry or Master’s Degree with equivalent years of experience.
• Experience has a focus on protein engineering, structural biology, biologics discovery, assay development and lead candidate profiling. Proven track record of progressing one or more assets to lead candidate stage.
• Experience managing teams of PhD-level scientists and research associates.
• Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or relevant patent filings
• Strong knowledge in structural biology, biophysics or adjacent areas is required.
• Deep scientific expertise of the biopharma R&D process required.
• Experience using innovative technologies, platforms, and modalities to advance novel drug candidates is a plus.
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with a team and think creatively as an individual.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication and leadership skills, including conflict management and trust building.

The salary range for this position is $158,000- $210,000/year. Competitive equity package applies. Pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to equity, compensation packages include a wide range of medical, dental, vision benefits and ability to participate in our employee stock purchase plan.

Absci offers highly competitive salaries and benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, unlimited vacation, parental leave, breakfast and lunch for onsite employees, employee assistance program, voluntary life and disability insurance, annual bonus potential, and 401(k) with a generous company match. Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.

We seek candidates who will dive into our creative company culture that’s collaborative, multidisciplinary, and committed to a big vision for positive impact. We are defying conventions and innovating without boundaries. We are disrupting an industry with bold ideas and passionate pursuit of new possibilities. We are looking for original thinkers, creative scientists, and data-devoted gurus. Successful candidates will be excited to work in a dynamic environment and contribute as a key member of a project team. If this sounds good to you, we invite you to join us in our quest to redefine possible.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. Absci is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Absci will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Absci offers a dog-friendly work environment - bring your pup along for the ride.