Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Protein Therapeutics

Position Overview

Nektar has an exciting opportunity for a Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Protein Therapeutics to join their team.

Nektar is seeking a Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Protein Therapeutics with expertise in proteins and protein characterization to join our protein analytics team to characterize proprietary polymer-protein or polymer-peptide conjugates. To succeed, you will need to apply knowledge of protein chemistry, characterization, and protein-protein interaction techniques to design and develop appropriate data sets that support company initiatives. You will contribute to the planning and execution of scientific experimentation to support the protein therapeutic pipeline for the company. You will develop characterization methods for Research and support tech transfer for manufacturing. You will manage workflow among a complex set of projects, collaborators and sites. This is a hands-on bench position that contributes to and supports the company's research and development efforts to create high value therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities:

• Independently develops analytical methods for characterization, lot release and technology transfer for candidate protein molecules. Will be responsible for performing technology transfer to clients or internal Process Development/Manufacturing.
• Works on multiple projects simultaneously, where coordination of efforts among various sites and attention to critical timelines is essential to success.
• Works on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Exercises judgment within broadly defined practices and policies in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• May determine methods and procedures on new assignments. Serves as an in-house consultant.
• Synthesizes multiple data sources and draws general, non-obvious conclusions. Defines complex problems, develops approaches and develops experiments with sound judgment.
• Interfaces with various departments, customers and partners. Puts work practices in context with larger team and participates in the implementation of change when required. Plans and coordinates activities with other team members.
• Critically analyzes complex data and interprets experimental results. Interfaces, works with and supports various departments at multiple locations.
• Plans and coordinates activities with other scientists and team members.
• Writes complex reports and protocols. Ensures thorough documentation of laboratory activities; technical reports detailing development efforts, analytical development reports, batch records, or technology transfer reports. Contribute to patent applications and IND filings as needed.
• May be expected to mentor and train individuals. Oral presentations will be periodically required. Travels to client site or other company functions as needed.

Position Requirements:

• A PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related field required. A minimum of 2-5 years of protein characterization experience in a research and/or development environment is required. Post-doctoral work may serve as experience. Exceptional non-PhDs with demonstrated capabilities or relevant industrial/biotechnology experience may be considered. Title is commensurate with experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of protein characterization
• Prior experiences in with immunology or immune-oncology targets is desired
• Must have hands-on experience in protein chemistry and protein-protein interaction analysis and be thoroughly familiar with basic protein chemistry tools such as SDS-PAGE, IEF and western blotting. Experience in polymer chemistry or small molecule chemistry is a plus.
• Experience with affinity chromatography, IEX, RP, SEC, or other methods, both for purification and for analytical development is expected.
• Experience with tissue culture and associated molecular biological techniques is desired
• Experience with ELISA and flow cytometry is a plus
• Familiarization with structural biology and molecular modeling a plus.
• Must be able to clearly communicate scientific information. Must have good interpersonal skills and be willing to work as part of a team. Must have the ability to effectively work with all levels of scientists and management, including foreign collaborators. Excellent scientific writing, communication, presentation, documentation, and computer skills required. Ability to work internationally and across multiple corporate sites.
• Must be a team player and mentor and work closely with both research efforts and process development. Must be able to exert influence effectively. Must be able to demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills are required.
• Must be able to demonstrate broad success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought. Must represent the leading edge in field, while able to demonstrate expert knowledge in scientific principles and concepts both internally and externally with sustained performance and significant accomplishment on at least one area.
• Performance of tasks essential to the job function may require the employee to work directly with, handle, or otherwise come into contact with chemicals or pharmaceutical agents. Employees may be required to enroll in a medical surveillance program based on the potential exposure to certain health hazards encountered as a result of their job function. Must be able to lift small pieces of laboratory equipment and carry 4L solvent bottles when needed. Occasional work in a cold room (refrigerator temperature) may be required.
• Must be comfortable and independent spending a majority of time doing bench-top science.
• Ability to multi-task in an extremely dynamic environment while providing high-quality analytical support in a professional, pleasant, and tactful manner is a necessity.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do 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. Nektar Therapeutics will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in the manner proscribed by the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.