Lead Scientist – Large Molecules

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany.

📋 Description

• Establish the scientific workflow, assessment strategy, and benchmarking methodology for large molecule initiatives, encompassing antibody-antigen co-folding, binder prediction, and antibody developability.

• Utilize Apheris's product as an active user and outline user specifications for large molecule processes.

• Promote the adoption of large molecule models with pharmaceutical partners and assist them in applying these models to pertinent programs and scenarios.

• Convert scientific and biological needs from pharmaceutical partners into tangible inputs for the ML/engineering team.

• Evaluate model outputs and assessment results against the backdrop of structural biology and antibody engineering knowledge.

• Represent Apheris's scientific viewpoint during discussions with partners within large molecule networks.

• Keep abreast of developments in the large molecule AI/ML domain, including OpenFold, AlphaFold, Boltz, ESM, and literature on antibody design/developability.

• Collaborate with product, ML, and engineering teams to ensure that scientific requirements inform the development roadmap.

⛳️ Requirements

• A PhD, MSc, or equivalent experience, along with over 5 years in structural biology, antibody engineering, immunology, protein engineering, or a related biologics field.

• Practical experience in antibody design, developability, or binder discovery.

• Some familiarity with applying AI/ML techniques to biological challenges.

• A solid understanding of AI/ML models sufficient to contribute to a modeling workflow and assess the sensibility of outputs.

• Ability to closely collaborate with ML/engineering teams and bridge the gap between biological reasoning and technical execution.

• Effective communication skills across both scientific and technical audiences, as well as with pharmaceutical partner stakeholders.

• Knowledge of OpenFold, AlphaFold, Boltz, or similar structural prediction tools (preferred).

• Experience with antibody developability assays, immunogenicity, or biologics manufacturability (preferred).

• Background in direct collaboration with pharmaceutical partners or within a consortium/collaborative research environment (preferred).

• A publication record in structural biology, immunology, or antibody engineering journals (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary with early-stage virtual share options.

• Remote-first work environment, offering flexibility in work location.

• Wellbeing support, including mental health resources, work-from-home budget, co-working stipend, and learning budget.

• Generous holiday allowance.

• Optional in-office days at the Berlin HQ or another European location, approximately three times a year.