RCI-ABBV-35225 Scientist (Antibody Discovery/Phage/Yeast Display/Biologics/ELISA/FACS/Flow Cytometry/Mammalian Cell …

Position Title: Scientist II

Length of Contract: 12 months, continuous contracting

Location/Site: South San Francisco (ABA) - 100% Onsite





Role Overview


- We are seeking a Scientist to join the in-vitro antibody discovery team, supporting antibody discovery and engineering workflows.
- This is a hands-on wet lab role focused on identifying and optimizing antibody candidates using display technologies and screening assays.
- The candidate will contribute directly to oncology-focused therapeutic projects and collaborate with cross-functional upstream and downstream teams.


Manager’s Update


- Perform in-vitro antibody discovery using display technologies (phage or yeast display)
- Conduct antibody screening and characterization assays (ELISA, FACS)
- Support antibody engineering activities (affinity maturation, dematuration, liability removal)
- Execute molecular biology tasks such as Subcloning, Sequence analysis, Microbial culture (E. coli, yeast)
- Analyze and present experimental data in team meetings
- Collaborate with screening teams (SPR, multiplex FACS) and cross-functional stakeholders
- Support multiple antibody discovery projects (typically 2–3 months per project)
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in Antibody discovery, Biotherapeutics, Oncology-related research
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
- 3–5 years of relevant industry experience (strongly preferred)
- PhD candidates Open to consideration if they have strong hands-on relevant experience
- Must be comfortable with Scientist II level role and compensation
- Candidates with 10+ years experience are acceptable if Experience is directly relevant


Must-Have Skills


- Hands-on experience in in-vitro antibody discovery
- Experience in Phage display OR yeast display (at least one required)
- Experience with screening assays ELISA, FACS (flow cytometry)
- Strong foundation in Molecular biology, Cell biology basics
- Experience with Subcloning, Sequence analysis, Microbial culture systems (E. coli or yeast)
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and present scientific data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Direct hands-on experience in antibody discovery


Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)


- Experience with both phage and yeast display platforms
- Antibody engineering experience Affinity maturation / dematuration, Liability engineering, Humanization
- Knowledge of Antibody structure and protein affinity
- Experience with SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance)
- Exposure to Multiplex FACS , Antibody library design & construction
- Familiarity with tools/software GraphPad Prism, Geneious, GeneData
- Basic mammalian cell culture experience


What are the top 3-5 skills, experience or education required for this position:

Education:


- BS or MS in Biology or a related field with typically 5+ years of experience (BS) or 2+ years of experience (MS) in a pharmaceutical and/or relevant research environment
- Hands-on experience with in vitro antibody discovery display technologies (e.g., phage display, yeast display)
- Direct experience with binding assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry or SPR)
- Strong molecular and cell biology skills (e.g., molecular cloning, sequence analysis, E coli and/or yeast culture, mammalian cell culture, etc.)
- Familiarity with protein structure, affinity, antibodies and antibody fragments


Job Description


- Client is seeking a highly motivated research scientist to join a dynamic team supporting biologics drug discovery and engineering.
- The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and execution of in vitro display technologies for lead antibody identification, optimization, and will collaborate with other team members to generate stage-gate appropriate in vitro and in vivo data packages supporting proof-of-concept (PoC).
- This role leverages scientific expertise to develop and implement research supporting the discovery, optimization, and mechanistic understanding of the molecular pharmacology of therapeutic molecules across Therapeutic Areas.
- The ideal candidate should be able to analyze, document, and report data effectively, and possess excellent communication skills with comfort presenting in group settings.


Preferred Skills & Experience


- Experience in antibody engineering and optimization (e.g., affinity modulation, liability engineering, humanization)
- Experience with antibody library design and construction
- Experience in mammalian cell culture and multiplex flow cytometry
- Experience with automation of biologics discovery processes
- Proficiency with Prism, Geneious and/or Genedata
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency with MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)