Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead the antibody discovery and protein engineering (ADPE) program at Clasp Therapeutics. The Head of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering will work collaboratively with the research, CMC, translational, business development and clinical teams to discover our pipeline of unique TCEs. This person has an excellent opportunity for career development with direct interaction with the entire company. In addition, the Head of ADPE will lead novel antibody discovery utilizing in display technologies. The candidate will provide scientific direction across all our new pipeline of programs ensuring both high quality and an aggressive timeline. In addition, the Head of ADPE will also lead key technologies for the discovery of our future drug candidates including protein engineering, thermodynamically driven protein structural modeling, and use of machine learning which are integral to the discovery of our future drug candidates. The candidate will have direct management responsibility for a small team and significant responsibility for guidance and mentoring across departments. The ideal candidate will continue to grow and evolve our capabilities to develop an increasingly functional and effective pipeline of products. This role requires a highly independent, collaborative, motivated, and innovative leader with a proven ability to solve complex problems while managing successful and collaborative execution within the company and with our vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the discovery and optimization of potency and specificity for pHLA specific binding domains.
• Assume a hands-on leadership position by being involved in the laboratory as well as leading the design, generation, and optimization of highly specific and potent antibody variable domains integrated into our platform technology.
• Develop new antibodies, antibody fragments, and other formats for use as antibody fusion molecules.
• Oversee and take responsibility for internal antibody discovery and external supportive functions at CROs.
• Lead, manage, mentor, coach, and inspire team of direct reports.
• Serve as an internal expert in protein engineering, structural modeling, antibody library design, panning, selection, and screening of new antibodies.
• Develop novel in silico computational workflows to support the design and analysis of novel protein engineering efforts.
• Work closely with other teams to drive projects from conception through proof-of-concept and deliver drug development candidates with excellent developability and manufacturability.
• Contribute and evaluate new ideas and technologies in drug discovery and therapeutic strategy.
• Collaborate with external academic and industry partner(s) to strengthen capabilities.
• Prepare and present detailed analysis and reports to the project team, executive team, board of directors, and external collaborators.
• Keep detailed records, methods, protocols, molecule database, SOPs, etc., in our ELN system.
• Lead next generation capabilities in machine learning and AI.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, biological/chemical engineering, or related disciplines with 15 years of industry experience
• Strong background in antibody discovery and engineering as evidenced by publications, participation in international conferences, and experience in advancing antibody-derived therapeutics from discovery to development candidate nomination
• Solid familiarity with biotherapeutic protein structure and its relationship with pharmacokinetics/pharmacology of biologics
• Previous hands-on experience with protein engineering methods, such as library construction, display methods (e.g., Phage) and structure-guided rational design, preferably in a therapeutic setting, is required
• Experience with applying computational and machine learning approaches to protein engineering with proficiency in multiple thermodynamically driven modeling systems including FEP
• Experience in immunology and immune-oncology related research is a plus
• Direct experience interacting with external organizations, including academics and CROs
• Ability to prioritize your and your team’s responsibilities to deliver results in a timely manner
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-functional and fast-paced dynamic team environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and meticulous record keeping
• Strong multi-tasking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Experience managing senior level scientists and project teams in a matrixed environment
• Experience in applications of Machine learning / AI to biologics discovery