Job Description
The Associate Director / Director of Protein Science will provide strategic and scientific leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for recombinant protein design, expression, purification, and characterization across multiple expression platforms (E. coli, insect, and mammalian systems). This role will lead platform innovation, ensure technical excellence, and drive the successful execution of internal and partner-facing programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership in establishing and advancing the Protein Science function, including technology platforms, workflows, and capability expansion.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a team of scientists (including PhD-level) to achieve high standards of scientific rigor, operational efficiency, and project delivery.
- Oversee protein construct design, expression system selection, purification strategy, biophysical characterization, and transfer to downstream discovery, screening, CMC or structural biology teams.
- Serve as the primary scientific lead for internal and external projects, including client interactions, project scoping, timelines, resource planning, and technical issue resolution.
- Drive method optimization and platform innovation, including high-throughput expression, protein engineering approaches, and quality/lot-to-lot consistency standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Antibody Discovery, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, ADC/Conjugation, Bioassay, and CMC teams to support integrated discovery and development programs.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to long-term R&D roadmap and investment planning.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, data integrity requirements, and laboratory safety and quality standards.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Protein Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, or related field; postdoctoral training or industry track record preferred.
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, with 3+ years of scientific team leadership. Experience in CRO/CDMO or biopharma drug discovery environments strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in E. coli, insect, and/or mammalian expression systems, with proven ability to troubleshoot complex protein production challenges.
- Strong understanding of protein biophysics and analytical methods (SEC-MALS, DSF, LC-MS, HPLC, thermal stability, glyco/protein quality profiling, etc.).
- Proven ability to lead scientific teams, manage multi-project portfolios, engage with external partners, and deliver results on time and with high quality.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in both Chinese and English, with demonstrated experience interfacing with internal stakeholders and external collaborators/clients.
- Highly motivated, strategic thinker with a track record of building high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement.