Senior Scientist, Protein Mass Spectrometry

We are a dedicated group of scientists, physicians, and businesspeople working together toward one goal: to discover and develop therapies that can unleash the power of the body’s immune system to treat and potentially cure cancer. We are passionate about the work we do every day at Agenus to deliver on the promise of immuno-oncology. If you’re looking for an inspired environment, passionate colleagues, and a culture that nurtures learning, innovation and team success, we invite you to join us.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Scientist with expertise in Protein Mass Spectrometry (MS) to join our Analytical Development team as a subject matter expert in mass spectrometric analysis of protein therapeutics with the goal to understand structural/biological function correlation to support the Agenus therapeutic protein pipeline (monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, bispecific antibodies, etc.).

This role will report to the head of Analytical Development and will be responsible for developing, qualifying, and performing Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) based methods to be used for characterization and/or GMP quality control of therapeutic proteins in all clinical stages (from early to pre-BLA). The candidate will design and execute scientific studies and will collaborate extensively with cross-functional Agenus staff and with representatives from contract manufacturing and testing organizations.

In The Role You Will

• Establish (develop, optimize and qualify) and perform LC-MS based analysis to characterize product and process variants for Agenus protein therapeutic candidates including analyses of intact/reduced molar mass, post-translational modifications (oxidation, deamidation, glycosylation, etc.), disulfide bond structure, free thiols, sequence variant analysis, etc.This also includes routine maintenance and training of group members, as well as knowledge sharing with MS groups located in other internal sites.
• Support pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle, such as development samples from Upstream Process Development and Downstream Purification Development, Formulation Development, DS and DP Manufacturing.
• Provide scientific input and demonstrate critical thinking into experimental design and execution
• Write technical development reports and give oral presentations of data at departmental or interdepartmental meetings.
• Write, review, and edit SOPs and Test Methods for new procedures and assays; review, edit and revise existing SOPs to reflect changes in procedures.
• Act as analytical subject matter expert and contribute to the authoring and review of regulatory CMC sections (IND, BLA/MAA).
• Maintain lab compliance by performing routine housekeeping, including support of analytical instrument maintenance, ordering and stocking of lab supplies, maintaining of reagents, sample management, and compliance to safety regulations.
• Perform a variety of analytical testing (HPLC, CE based etc.) as needed to support various stages of projects.
• Coordinate with other functional groups to support upstream and downstream process development studies and support critical quality attributes assessment efforts.
  
  

Qualifications: About you

• PhD with 4 years+ of relevant experience, Master with 6 years+ of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field with at least 8 years of relevant industrial protein mass spectrometry experience in the protein therapeutics area. PhD with 4 years+ postdoctoral experience is also acceptable for individuals with demonstrated scientific achievements in protein mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated expertise in the application of protein mass spectrometry in structural elucidation of mAb related protein therapeutics using LC-MS (e.g., Thermo Orbitrap).Familiar with mAb structure/common modifications; and proficient in using MS database software (e.g., Biopharma Finder) to aid data analysis.
• Working knowledge of separation science (liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis)
• Teamwork and communication are key attributes needed for this position, as this role will be part of a small team. A collaborative attitude and a positive work ethic are key traits for success.
• Excellent observation, attention-to-detail, accuracy for record keeping, and documentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team on assigned projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software is required.
• Knowledge of statistics (i.e. Descriptive, ANOVA, DOE) is desirable.
• Knowledge of cGMPs; Understanding of ICH guidelines such as “Q6B Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria for Biotechnological/Biological Products” and QbD principles described in Q8(R2) Pharmaceutical Development.
• Experience with separation technologies such as HPLC (SEC, IEC, RP, HIC, etc.), CE-SDS, and spectrophotometry to test and characterize proteins and related compounds (e.g., impurities, post-translational modifications).
• Experience in the design, development, and qualification/validation of analytical methods and product characterization for monoclonal antibody therapeutics is strongly preferred.
• Have some understanding and experience with determining critical quality attributes of protein therapeutics.
• Prior experience supporting process development studies is preferred
• Learning Agility: Capability to think through problems from a fresh point of view, curiosity and passion for ideas and solving puzzles, and love of learning.
• Detail Orientation: Ability to organize and prioritize many different important tasks.
• High Execution: Demonstrates and fosters a winning mind set, a sense of urgency, optimism, ownership, and a strong drive to achieve goals.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, manage crises and align interests of multiple parties, and aptitude for mastering operational specifics of multiple programs.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, technical writing and presentation skills are essential.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changes, assess priorities, and remain focused on goals.
  
  

The targeted salary range for this position is 120,000-147,500 per year. Agenus is making a good faith effort to be transparent and accurate around our hiring ranges. The salary offered is commensurate with Agenus’s compensation philosophy and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, critical needs of the role, and internal equity.

Read more about our pipeline and visit us on LinkedIn

Agenus is Delighted to Provide you With a Comprehensive Benefits Plan, Including Some of the Following:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options (US & UK)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses (US)
• Flexible Vacation Plan (US & UK)-In a time when we move at the speed of light, what matters most is what we achieve, not how many hours we clock or accrue. We want people to take breaks when they need them most and own their time. Our philosophy at Agenus is that freedom to take this time will lead to clarity, creativity and innovation through rested and refreshed eyes. With our Flexible Vacation Plan, Agenus will not limit the amount of vacation you can take. It will allow you to take the vacation time as you need, while fulfilling your job responsibilities and making meaningful contributions to our mission.
• Care.com Memberships (US)
• Education Assistance Program (US & UK)
• 401k match (US) and Financial Planning tools, Private Pension (UK)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans (US &UK)
• Employee Assistance Program (US &UK)
• Reward & Recognition Program (US & UK)
• Catered Lunch (site dependent)
• Onsite Yoga (UK)
• Free Parking (US & UK)
  
  

Our core values

The way we work sets Agenus apart.

We put the patient first.

We aspire to change the world, improving the experience and options available for every single cancer patient. The answers are out there, and patients are waiting.

We are bold, and we are one.

We believe that the only way to deliver on our goals is to aim high and work as one global team. We look for opportunities to challenge, collaborate with, and support one another. We aim to break conventional standards and perform at extraordinary levels.

We work with integrity, respect and honesty.

These three building blocks serve as pillars for how we behave, operate, and execute our mission.

We are a culture of ownership and accountability.

We hold ourselves accountable not only for exceptional results, but how we get our results.

We are obsessively curious and deeply committed to learning.

We live in a fast-paced environment that requires us to learn at or above the speed of change. We believe that curiosity fuels the desire to create, and learning provides the tools to progress.

We perform at our best every day.

Every day counts. We confront insurmountable obstacles, problems and choices with intellect, perseverance and hard work.