Research Scientist I - In Vitro Affinity Reagent Platform

Embedded within the Broad Institute, the Center for the Development of Therapeutics (CDoT)) is a highly collaborative organization of professional drug discovery scientists. Our mission is to translate cutting edge biological insights originating from the Broad community into impactful drug discovery projects. We partner with faculty from MIT, Harvard, and the Harvard teaching hospitals together with industry partners in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and venture capital firms to validate druggable targets and identify leads. We combine our deep expertise in drug discovery with the knowledge and unique capabilities of the Broad Institute to address a wide range of disease areas (including oncology, cardiovascular, psychiatry, infectious and rare diseases). We use systematic approaches in genomics, biology, chemistry, and machine learning coupled with the Broad's culture of creativity, risk taking, and open sharing, to successfully advance science and develop new treatments for patients.

We are seeking an energetic and motivated scientist to be part of CDoT's in vitro affinity reagent platform. The ideal candidate will have experience with affinity reagents (antibodies, scFvs, or nanobodies, etc) ideally across different display technologies (phage, yeast, ribosome) coupled with a passion for technology development and a strong desire to work at scale with automation, with a keen appreciation for operational efficiency. This position will be part of the team responsible for executing on the development of a high throughput version of our affinity reagent platform. The successful candidate will work closely with antibody engineers, automation engineers, biophysicists, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and Subject Matter Experts to align and execute on platform goals. This position is a unique opportunity to help build a high-impact capability within the Broad.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Functions

* Candidates should have expertise in protein science expression, including cell-free in vitro transcription/translation and yeast. Experience with bacterial, insect, and mammalian cell expression is a plus, but not required.

* Designs and executes on the scientific implementation of high throughput in vitro affinity reagent generation as a platform product within CDoT, including, affinity reagent identification and generation and production and characterization of affinity reagents (binding affinity, epitope binning, and functional characterization).

* Helps plan, schedule, and coordinate the affinity reagent production process development.

* Contributes to the development of scientific proposals for CDoT's in vitro affinity reagent platform, collaborating with other researchers.

* Identifies technical and methodological problems in the affinity reagent scientific protocol and production process. Makes detailed observations, analyzes/documents experimental data, and interprets results.

* Ensures platform scientific performance adheres to rigorous standards for reproducibility; tracks and communicates metrics of platform performance.

* Presents results to affinity reagent platform leadership and VC, biotech, pharma companies collaborating with CDoT.

* Contributes to scientific papers, reports, and presentations.

* Keeps current on advances in the field of affinity reagent generation and prediction.

* Trains, supervises, and mentors junior members of the platform team.

* Reports to the head of Protein Technology group in CDoT.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications

* PhD degree in Molecular or Cellular Biology or related field with 6+ years of experience

* Experience in affinity reagent discovery and/or engineering

* Experience in biophysical and cellular characterization of affinity reagents

* Strategic mindset and desire to constantly improve the status quo

* Strong analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

* Adept in ambiguous situations, flexible and comfortable making decisions using available data points that can be limited or imperfect

* Adaptable to changing priorities while effectively managing multiple commitments

* Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with proven expertise in cultivating cross-collaborative working relationships across an organization and ability to influence at all levels

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.