Scientist II - Protein Engineering

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.

Scientist II - Protein Engineering

Vancouver, WA

As a core member of Absci's Protein Engineering and Structural Biology group within Drug Creation, you will be pivotal in working with the Drug Creation and AI teams to engineer and optimize the binding, function, and developability of antibodies and multispecific proteins. You will design and implement strategies to enhance therapeutic candidate stability, binding, function, and manufacturability. Collaborating closely with the AI, Drug Creation, and Protein Science teams, you will contribute to advancing Absci's platform for binder discovery, protein engineering, and protein production.

Responsibilities:

• Support efforts to develop and optimize platforms for mAb and multispecific therapeutic design and production.
• Perform antigen/antibody structural analyses to recommend residue-level changes that improve interaction stability, specificity, and manufacturability.
• Design and implement binding and biophysical assays to assess mutation impacts on protein structure and function.
• Coordinate closely with Process Development and Analytical Development teams to ensure high-quality protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of complex biologics and antigens.
• Lead cross-functional programs and act as a Protein Engineering representative, deliver on engineering goals, help organize cross-functional experiments, and ensure alignment on objectives, timelines, and resources across different teams.
• Regularly summarize and present data to internal and external stakeholders to support informed decision-making to advance programs.
  
  

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Protein Biophysics, or a related field with 2-5 years of relevant experience, or MSc with 4 years of protein engineering experience, ideally focusing on multispecific therapeutics.
• Experience in protein structure-function analyses, computational modeling (e.g., Schrodinger, MOE, Rosetta), and lab-based protein engineering.
• Proven ability to apply structural insights to improve therapeutic properties, including binding affinity, function, and developability.
• Laboratory experience in protein expression, purification, and quality assessment.
• Familiarity with biophysical characterization techniques (e.g., analytical SEC, DSF, DLS) and binding and interaction analyses (e.g., BLI, SPR).
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional program leadership, especially in high-paced environments, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated alignment with Absci's core values, including a passion for innovation, belief and desire to work as one team to achieve our mission, and a commitment to excellence.
• Salary range for this position is $115,000 - 140,000/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.

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.