Scientist I, Pilot Scale Protein Expression and Purification

Scientist I, Pilot Scale Protein Expression and Purification

Dragonfly Therapeutics is seeking an innovative, self-motivated Scientist I (title commensurate with experience) with expertise in biotherapeutics, protein biochemistry, mammalian-based protein expression, and protein purification. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge immunotherapy programs that aim to advance transformative therapeutics.

Role Overview :

As a key member of our research process development team, you will focus on the expression and purification of bispecific and multi-specific antibody candidates, ensuring their purity and characteristics meet the standards necessary for in vitro studies (e.g., binding, potency, drug-like properties, and cell-based assays) and in vivo studies (e.g., efficacy, non-GLP, NHP).

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and combines intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, and a collaborative mindset. Independence, goal orientation, and flexibility are essential traits for success in this role, where managing multiple projects simultaneously is the norm.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to) :

• Purify bispecific, multi-specific antibody and cytokine candidates at scales ranging from 30 mg - 500 mg .
• Design and implement process development strategies to overcome purification challenges.
• Utilize biophysical techniques to characterize proteins and ensure their quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to project meetings to advance drug discovery initiatives.
• Document and report data meticulously, ensuring scientific accuracy and clear communication.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Work under high-level guidance, determining methods for new assignments while collaborating closely with the manager. May supervise junior scientists as needed.
Qualifications :
• Education :
• BS / MS / Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, or related fields, with :
• 6 years (BS / MS) or 2 year (Ph.D.) of relevant industry experience.
• Experience & Skills :
• Strong foundation in protein sciences, with a focus on the expression and purification of recombinant proteins, antibodies, and Fc-Fusions
• Proficiency in small- and large-scale protein purification using automated systems (e.g., AKTA instruments) under sterile / low-endotoxin conditions.
• Expertise in various purification methods, including Protein A, ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), TFF, and Ultrafiltration (UF) & Diafiltration (DF)
• Proficient in column packing and preparation for larger scale purifications, using AKTA pilot system.
• Familiarity with standard protein characterization techniques (e.g., SDS-PAGE (CE-SDS), Western blotting, endotoxin assays, HPLC, and intact mass spectrometry).
• Experience with DOE and statistical tools and software (JMP, MODDE)
• Familiarity with display technologies for therapeutic generation.
• Knowledge of construct design and engineering for optimized protein expression and purification.
• Strong presentation skills to effectively communicate purification strategies and results to internal teams and extended project groups.

About Dragonfly

Dragonfly Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing and commercializing therapies that use its novel multispecific antibody technology to harness the body's immune system to bring breakthrough treatments to patients. In addition to its wholly owned clinical assets, Dragonfly has a deep pipeline of wholly owned preclinical candidates discovered using its proprietary platform, as well as productive collaborations with Merck, AbbVie, Gilead and Bristol Myers Squibb in a broad range of disease areas.

Our mission is to revolutionize disease treatment by inventing natural killer cell-based therapies for vastly improved patient outcomes. We believe in a small team with a big impact.