Scientist / Senior Scientist - TCR engineering and TCE development

Overview

We are a well-funded biotech startup that has developed a suite of proprietary technologies combining ultrahigh throughput single cell functional screening with computational AI models to advance immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. We are looking for a protein engineering scientist with experience in TCR affinity maturation and T cell engager (TCE) development to join our interdisciplinary team. The candidate should adapt quickly and communicate well in a fast-paced startup environment and collaborate with other team members.

Responsibilities

• Design libraries and perform TCR affinity maturation using yeast or phage display.
• Lead TCR engineering efforts for enhanced affinity, specificity, and stability.
• Partner with AI/ML scientists to design sequences and libraries, contributing to iterative design-build-test cycles to advance therapeutic candidates.
• Collaborate with the team to develop TCEs and conduct in vitro functional assays to assess efficacy and safety.
• Work with CRO on TCR/TCE production and binding characterization.

Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology, or a related field.
• Expertise in display technologies (yeast or phage), and high-throughput TCR/antibody screening.
• Experience in TCR, antibody or protein engineering, including affinity maturation, deep mutational scanning, cross-reactivity, and biophysical property optimization.
• Experience with TCR/antibody library construction, screening, and binding measurement.
• Fundamental understanding of TCR/antibody and structure-function relationships.
• Familiarity with protein structure analysis tools (PyMOL, Chimera, MOE).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment, take initiative, and drive projects forward independently.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with bispecific antibodies and format screening.
• Background in T Cell Engager development.
• Experience with mammalian expression systems and protein purification techniques.

Compensation and Benefits

• $120,000 - $160,000 (depending on depth of expertise) + 10% performance bonus + equity.
• 4% 401K match; Daily lunches; Commuter benefits; Unlimited snacks and drinks.
• Disability Insurance, Life Insurance; Workplace Insurance.