Principal Scientist, Research

Company:  

Visterra is a clinical stage biotechnology company committed to developing innovative antibody-based therapies for the treatment of patients with kidney diseases and other hard-to-treat diseases. Our proprietary technology platform enables the design and engineering of precision antibody-based product candidates that specifically bind to, and modulate, key disease targets. Applying this technology to disease targets that are not adequately addressed by traditional therapeutic approaches, we are developing a robust pipeline of novel therapies for patients with unmet needs. 

Visterra is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc., which is a U.S. holding company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan. Visterra has approximately 125 employees and is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. 

Summary:  

Visterra, Inc., is searching for a highly experienced Principal Scientist with a background in design and engineering of biologics. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in discovering and developing antibody-based therapies. This individual will contribute to multiple on-going research programs and lead new antibody discovery programs and support the development of novel delivery technologies. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player, effective manager, critical thinker, and clear communicator. The ideal candidate should have an advanced degree in immunology, biology, biochemistry or a related field and a minimum of five years (post-graduate) of research experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting. 

This is a full-time position located at Visterra’s offices in Waltham, MA. At Visterra we are making a positive impact on people’s lives through better medicine with a team that champions innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. 

Key duties and responsibilities:  

• Lead the discovery and engineering of novel biologics in the fields of autoimmunity, neurology, or nephrology 

• Evaluate novel technologies in antibody discovery and molecular biology to enhance and streamline discovery workflows  

• Lead a discovery program from target identification through candidate nomination stages 

• Design and lead execution of experiments involving antibody libraries, antibody engineering and antigen characterization  

• Independently analyze scientific results, troubleshoot methods and conceive creative solutions and workflows to address challenges  

• Document, analyze and interpret data for internal decision making, publications, presentations, patents and regulatory filings.  

• Work closely with key opinion leaders to advance Visterra’s research interests and development of therapeutics  

• Manage activities at contract research organizations (CROs)  

• Effectively communicate research results and program strategies internally and externally, including presentations at scientific forums 

• Maintain expertise by actively participating in conferences and staying current with relevant literature 

• Includes management of direct reports 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in immunology, biology, biochemistry, or related field and a minimum of five years (post-graduate) of laboratory-based research in industry 

• Strong foundation in understanding of antibody structure and function, roles in immune regulation, and therapeutic applications 

• Track record of completing protein engineering projects 

• Experience conducting original research in cell biology, immunology, target discovery, or therapeutic mechanism of action 

• Ability to design, develop and execute antibody discovery campaigns 

• Experience in the screening and characterization of protein-based therapeutics using in vitro and/or cell-based assays 

• Strong data analyses skills and solid written and oral scientific communication and documentation skills 

• Track record of managing a team of scientists and research associates 

• Detail-oriented, organized, team-oriented, enthusiastic and flexible with effective communication skills 

Management responsibilities: This position includes supervisory responsibilities  

Travel: Possible travel to local and national conferences   

Visterra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.