Senior Scientist, Biologics Development

Company Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. 

Position Summary:

Ampersand is currently seeking a highly motivated experienced scientist to lead projects in discovery and pre-clinical development for antibodies and related protein therapeutics. The role will focus on cell-based and ex vivo approaches to design and understand biologic therapeutics, with the aim of nominating development candidates, and then supporting molecules through to IND. The grade for this position will be determined based on the candidate's level of experience. 

As a member of our team, you will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to understand activity, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential of early-stage biologics. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This is a primarily on-site role in South Boston.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute studies to optimize cell-specific targeting and activity of multi-specific antibodies that build on Ampersand’s platform to target cells and tissues.
• Develop in vitro assays to assess therapeutic antibodies and multispecific molecules across portfolio projects, particularly in the fields of inflammation and immunology.
• Lead identification of antibody-based molecules as therapeutic development candidates.
• Collaborate with Protein Sciences to optimize the developability profiles of candidate molecules, and with In Vivo Pharmacology team to evaluate PK/PD, efficacy, and toxicity.
• Collaborate with and oversee research activities conducted by Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
• Contribute to preparing and writing INDs for therapeutic candidates.
• Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
• Contribute to building a positive, team-oriented biotech culture.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience in Biology, Immunology or a related discipline with 3+ years direct pharmaceutical experience.
• Experience nominating development candidates, ideally antibodies, protein therapeutics, or other types of biologics.
• Familiarity with IND-enabling studies and preparing materials for the pharmacology section of an IND.
• Excellent skills with cell culture such as primary cell culture, stable and transient protein expression, fixed and live cell imaging by IHC or immunofluorescence, flow cytometry.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct original research utilizing cell systems to investigate disease biology or biological therapeutics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.
• Enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in the dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of a small biotech, specifically within the realm of in vivo sciences.

What We Will Offer you:

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed human