Group Leader, Antibody Engineering

About the role

The China Innovation Center of Roche (CICoR) is seeking a Group Leader and (Senior) Principal Scientist of Antibody Engineering in its Biologics Discovery and Development department. The leader will guide antibody generation, engineering and optimisation to deliver novel therapeutic antibody clinical candidates in Oncology, Immunology and CVRM, and help evolve the Antibody Discovery strategy. The role is a high-impact leadership position in a multinational R&D setting.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership in an agile, fast-developing R&D environment and coach, mentor and develop team members.
• Collaborate with Lead Discovery and Pharmaceutical Sciences to expand antibody discovery capabilities and drive in-house antibody projects.
• Evolving the antibody discovery strategy in the new AI era to fit CICoR's discovery needs.
• Lead the team in delivering novel therapeutic antibody candidates and balance internal technology development with external collaborations.
• Maintain strong relationships with CROs and biotech companies in the Chinese ecosystem.
• Own the LM discovery portfolio and contribute to project strategies within it.
• Take part in due diligence on external opportunities to license assets or technologies.

Required profile

• PhD or joint MD/PhD in antibody/protein engineering, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or molecular biology, with significant, current expertise in antibody engineering and discovery.
• Ideally at least eight years of experience in a pharmaceutical/biotechnology research setting, and a proven track record in drug discovery.
• Exceptional candidates from innovative academic centres will also be considered.
• Proven scientific accomplishments and a strong ownership of the LM discovery portfolio.

Required skills

• Antibody engineering, diversity generation, functional characterisation, developability and immunogenicity optimisation.
• Bi/multi-specific antibodies, antibody drug conjugates and AI in drug discovery.
• Disease-relevant biology in immunology, oncology and/or cardiovascular-renal-metabolism.
• Leadership of direct-line and matrix teams, collaboration with internal and external partners, and strong communication skills.