What are the responsibilities and job description for the Scientist II, Mass Spectrometry position at Generate:Biomedicines?
About Generate:Biomedicines
Generate:Biomedicines is a new kind of therapeutics company – existing at the intersection of machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine – pioneering Generative Biology™ to create breakthrough medicines where novel therapeutics are computationally generated, instead of being discovered. The Company has built a machine learning-powered biomedicines platform with the potential to generate new drugs across a wide range of biologic modalities. This platform represents a potentially fundamental shift in what is possible in the field of biotherapeutic development.
We pursue this audacious vision because we believe in the unique and revolutionary power of generative biology to radically transform the lives of billions, with an outsized opportunity for patients in need. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!
Generate:Biomedicines was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering and has received over $700 millionin funding, providing the resources to rapidly scale the organization. The Company has offices in Somerville and Andover, Massachusetts with 300 employees.
The Role:
Generate Biomedicines is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated analytical protein scientist with deep expertise in mass spectrometry and a proven track record in the analytical and structural characterization of diverse biological macromolecules, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, peptides, and enzymes. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced and innovative environment, demonstrating a strong desire and potential for growth. Key responsibilities include performing high-throughput (HTP) and in-depth analytical characterization of early drug candidates to verify molecular weight, determine protein sequence, characterize post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation), and elucidate structure using mass spectrometry. Proficiency in various mass spectrometry-based methods—such as intact protein analysis, peptide mapping, and structural mass spectrometry—is essential. The candidate will develop and optimize fit-for-purpose methods and contribute to the advancement of new LC-MS-based platforms for characterizing and developing novel biotherapeutic molecules. They must keep current on advances and developments in LC-MS instrumentation and applications and contribute to the growth of the Protein Analytics Mass Spectrometry Group’s capabilities. Their work will contribute to the growth and development of our machine learning platform through execution of routine workflows and development of new platform capabilities. They will also contribute to platform and project advancement through interfacing with project teams and managing deliverables related to the Protein Analytics team’s workflows.
Here's how you will contribute:
COVID Safety:
Generate:Biomedicines enforces a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. All employees must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the health of our employees, their families, and the community at large from infectious disease that may be reduced by vaccinations. The Company will make exceptions to this policy if required by applicable law and will consider requests for an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, or any other exemptions that may be recognized by applicable.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : Generate:Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Generate:Biomedicines or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Generate:Biomedicines and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
Generate:Biomedicines is a new kind of therapeutics company – existing at the intersection of machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine – pioneering Generative Biology™ to create breakthrough medicines where novel therapeutics are computationally generated, instead of being discovered. The Company has built a machine learning-powered biomedicines platform with the potential to generate new drugs across a wide range of biologic modalities. This platform represents a potentially fundamental shift in what is possible in the field of biotherapeutic development.
We pursue this audacious vision because we believe in the unique and revolutionary power of generative biology to radically transform the lives of billions, with an outsized opportunity for patients in need. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!
Generate:Biomedicines was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering and has received over $700 millionin funding, providing the resources to rapidly scale the organization. The Company has offices in Somerville and Andover, Massachusetts with 300 employees.
The Role:
Generate Biomedicines is seeking an exceptional and highly motivated analytical protein scientist with deep expertise in mass spectrometry and a proven track record in the analytical and structural characterization of diverse biological macromolecules, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, peptides, and enzymes. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced and innovative environment, demonstrating a strong desire and potential for growth. Key responsibilities include performing high-throughput (HTP) and in-depth analytical characterization of early drug candidates to verify molecular weight, determine protein sequence, characterize post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation), and elucidate structure using mass spectrometry. Proficiency in various mass spectrometry-based methods—such as intact protein analysis, peptide mapping, and structural mass spectrometry—is essential. The candidate will develop and optimize fit-for-purpose methods and contribute to the advancement of new LC-MS-based platforms for characterizing and developing novel biotherapeutic molecules. They must keep current on advances and developments in LC-MS instrumentation and applications and contribute to the growth of the Protein Analytics Mass Spectrometry Group’s capabilities. Their work will contribute to the growth and development of our machine learning platform through execution of routine workflows and development of new platform capabilities. They will also contribute to platform and project advancement through interfacing with project teams and managing deliverables related to the Protein Analytics team’s workflows.
Here's how you will contribute:
- Independently develop and execute LC-MS-based methods for the analytical and structural characterization of proteins.
- Perform routine HTP intact protein LC-MS data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and effectively communicate results to stakeholders.
- Contribute to the advancement of our advanced HTP intact protein LC-MS platform.
- Work with key stakeholders to develop analytical characterization strategies and conduct in-depth analytical protein characterization using diverse LC-MS methods (e.g., intact protein analysis, reduced subunit analysis, peptide mapping, native SEC-MS).
- Analyze and interpret data, formulate conclusions, and design follow-up experiments based on multidisciplinary insights to achieve program objectives.
- Identify and solve key analytical challenges using available tools and technical expertise.
- Leverage creative problem-solving approaches to address emerging challenges
- Drive the exploration and adoption of new technologies and platforms.
- Establish and lead new cross-functional collaborations.
- Participate in project or team leadership opportunities.
- Author internal operational protocols and/or external publications.
- Lead or participate in CRO selection.
- Mentor and train junior scientists and team members, fostering their growth and development.
- PhD in protein chemistry/biochemistry/biophysics or relevant field with 2-4 years of experience, or MS/BS with 10 years experience in Biotech/Pharma. Industry experience strongly preferred.
- Extensive experience with:
- Operation and maintenance of advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation from multiple vendors (e.g., Thermo Exploris/Q Exactive series, Thermo Fusion Lumos/Eclipse/Ascend, Waters Synapt/Xevo, Agilent 6545XT, Bruker timsTOF)
- Mass spectrometry method development and troubleshooting
- Protein and peptide separation via reverse-phase chromatography using U(H)PLC, with nano-, micro-, and capillary-flow
- Reducing and non-reducing peptide mapping
- Protein characterization through intact protein mass spectrometry
- Familiarity with enzymatic reagents for mass spectrometry sample preparation
- Mass spectrometry data analysis tools (e.g., Agilent BioConfirm, Protein Metrics Byos/Byonic, BioPharma Finder, Proteome Discoverer, Skyline, MaxQuant, Unidec, PEAKS)
- Exceptional attention to detail and documentation skills
- Outstanding communication skills, coupled with transparency and respect for others
- Working experience with:
- Native MS
- Structural mass spectrometry by HDX, crosslinking, FPOP, HRPF, or other covalent labeling approaches
- LC-MS based proteomics approaches, including quantitative proteomics, targeted proteomics, immunopeptidomics, and spatial/structural proteomics
- Glycan profiling/quantifying by HILIC
- Ion-mobility MS
- Electronic Lab Notebook applications such as Benchling
- Biotherapeutic discovery database applications such as Genedata Biologics
- Knowledge of R/Python (or similar) languages is a plus.
COVID Safety:
Generate:Biomedicines enforces a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. All employees must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the health of our employees, their families, and the community at large from infectious disease that may be reduced by vaccinations. The Company will make exceptions to this policy if required by applicable law and will consider requests for an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, or any other exemptions that may be recognized by applicable.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies : Generate:Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Generate:Biomedicines or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Generate:Biomedicines and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
