Research Scientist/Principal Research Associate, Protein Biology

JOB DESCRIPTION

At Arch Oncology, we are aiming high to discover and develop new antibody therapeutics to treat patients living with cancer. We are committed to advancing antibodies with best-in-class potential.
Our next-generation anti-CD47 antibodies are highly differentiated, with the potential to improve upon the safety and efficacy profile relative to other agents in this class. Our antibodies work by blocking the “don’t eat me” signal, the standard mechanism of anti-CD47 antibodies. Beyond blocking this signal, our antibodies also directly kill tumor cells. Importantly, our antibodies bind preferentially to tumor cells, instead of normal cells, and bind even more potently to tumors in their acidic microenvironment (low pH).
Expanding our fight against cancer, we are advancing our lead anti-CD4 antibody AO-176 into clinical development for the treatment of patients with solid tumors.
We are aiming high in our fight against cancer. We are a team of highly experienced and driven professionals who are committed to excellence in all that we do. Our leadership team has successfully developed new drugs before. We know what we need to do to collaborate and execute to get the job done.
If you share this commitment and want to work with a team that is focused on helping patients, come aim high with us and apply.

Position Location: At Arch Oncology, we have two bases. Our headquarters is in Brisbane, CA, a gateway of biotechnology innovation, and our scientific research laboratory is in St. Louis, MO, home of the Gateway Arch. This position is in St. Louis, MO.

Reports To: Director, Protein Biology

Role and Responsibilities:

• Independently design and perform purification strategies for recombinant proteins.
• Perform screening assays for therapeutic lead antibody selection.
• Characterization of target proteins and interactions.
• Develop and implement new immunoassays in various formats.
• Physical characterization of purified proteins using appropriate instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot and persevere with difficult projects to successful conclusions.
• Responsible for supporting the needs of multiple drug discovery projects and science objectives in parallel.
• Maintain close interactions with colleagues and liaise with cross-functional project teams to advise and to communicate progress.
• Present at laboratory group meetings and external scientific meetings and provide materials/slides for other scientists at project presentations.
• Maintain a command of relevant scientific literature.
• Maintain thorough and accurate scientific records.
• The expected balance between lab and office duties is 75:25 respectively.

Position Requirements and Experience:

• The candidate should be well versed in antibody biochemistry and development tasks; added experience with antibody engineering and humanization preferred but not absolutely required.
• PhD with 0-5 years of relevant experience, or MS with 8+ years of relevant experience, or BS with 10+ years of relevant experience. 
• Strong documented experience in protein biochemistry, protein purification (using affinity and traditional chromatographic techniques), protein modification using enzymatic and chemical methods, and biophysical characterization.
• Hands-on, extensive experience with instrumentation essential for protein purification, especially Biorad NGC FPLC (or AKTA FPLC) and Agilent HPLC systems.
• Demonstrated capabilities to independently design, implement, and troubleshoot difficult protein purification and protein modification experiments and persist to successful outcomes.
• Experience in purifying antibodies and fusion proteins from mammalian cell culture.
• Experience labeling and modifying proteins.
• Experience in designing and implementing immunoassays (ELISA etc).
• Must be able to thrive and deliver results on goals in a fast-paced, dynamic and highly multi-tasking environment.
• Must work well independently and as a member of teams in an inclusive manner.
• Must possess excellent communication and presentation skills.

Arch Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.