Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director

Job description

Protein Scientist, Assistant Director or Associate Director

Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated protein scientist for an Assistant Director or Associate Director role to lead and advance protein discovery and production efforts supporting protein-oligonucleotide conjugate programs. This role focuses on adapting ligands emerging from primary screens into robust, scalable protein fusion formats for downstream characterization, development, and larger-scale production.

Locations: Carlsbad, CA (onsite with potential for hybrid/work arrangements as applicable).

Key Responsibilities

Lead design, engineering, expression, purification, and characterization of protein ligands and protein fusion constructs intended for protein-oligonucleotide conjugates

Translate hits from primary screening campaigns into optimized lead molecules with improved expression, stability, manufacturability, and functional performance

Develop and execute protein production strategies, selecting fit-for-purpose platforms based on construct requirements and downstream use

Design fusion proteins and other engineered constructs suitable for scale-up and conjugation workflows

Oversee purification and analytical characterization of recombinant proteins, including assessment of integrity, aggregation, binding, and stability

Work closely with oligonucleotide chemistry and conjugation teams to ensure protein constructs are compatible with conjugation requirements and downstream process needs

Drive experimental strategy, data interpretation, and decision-making across multiple programs

Mentor scientists and research associates and contribute to building scientific capability in protein engineering and production

Present results and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and senior leadership

Hands-on laboratory based effort will be expected

Requirements

PhD in protein science, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, bioengineering, or related discipline, with relevant industry experience

For the Assistant Director position, at least 5 years of relevant industry experience

For the Associate Director position, at least 8 years of relevant experience

Significant hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification in both microbial and mammalian systems

Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering and design, including construct optimization for expression, stability, and function

Strong track record of advancing protein molecules from early discovery or screening through lead optimization and scale-up

Experience generating and evaluating protein fusions or other complex engineered protein formats

Experience with analytical methods used for protein characterization

Strong scientific judgment, experimental rigor, and problem-solving ability in a fast-moving research environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively across disciplines

Excellent track record of publications

Ability to manage multiple assignments effectively in a quickly evolving environment

An entrepreneurial spirit; enthusiasm and vision for converting cutting-edge science into commercial applications

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting protein-based ligand discovery programs

Experience with protein constructs intended for bioconjugation or oligonucleotide conjugation

Familiarity with protein structure-guided design, computational design tools, or directed evolution approaches

Experience scaling protein production to support preclinical or development-stage studies

Prior leadership experience in matrixed, cross-functional research teams

Experience working at the interface of protein engineering, conjugation chemistry, and therapeutic platform development

For more information and to apply, please visit Ionis website and reference requisition # IONIS .

Ionis offers an excellent benefits package. The pay scale for this position is $144,200 to $196,444. The pay scale for the Assistant Director position is $144,200 to $176,800. The pay scale for the Associate Director position is $165,597 to $196,444.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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Worksite address

carlsbad, CA, 92002, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.