Associate Expert R&D Molecular Design (m/f/d)

Job description

Become part of a vital chain and contribute to our common goal of making people’s lives better. Octapharma is one of the largest human protein manufacturers in the world, developing and producing medicines sourced from human plasma and human cell lines. We are a privately-owned company, where the warmth of family meets the scale of a global organisation. Octapharma Biopharmaceuticals GmbH with more than 200 employees is a subsidiary of the Octapharma group founded in 1997 and successfully expanding. Our core business is the development of recombinant proteins produced in human cell lines for therapeutic use in humans. We strive for effective treatments with an improved tolerability and convenience for our patients. Join us in shaping our vision to provide new health solutions advancing human life. We are looking for a skilled and highly motivated Associate Expert (m/f/d) to join Octapharma’s Molecular Design Unit focusing on biologics drug discovery in the fields of Immunology and Hematology. The successful applicant will join our international, multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the discovery of lead therapeutic candidates by carrying out high-throughput protein interaction screening on a state-of-the-art automated platform. Furthermore, you will actively support the team in the optimization of the existing protocols, development of new methods, as well as in the implementation of continuous updates to the laboratory and data management workflows. If you are excited by hands-on laboratory work with proteins, this role offers the opportunity to identify and characterize promising therapeutic lead molecules from thousands of candidates while developing your technical expertise in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. This permanent full-time position is available at the earliest possible date at our site in Heidelberg, Germany. We welcome applications until 15 September 2026. Applications will be assessed collectively once the submission period has closed. Your main tasks and responsibilities Perform high-throughput characterization of protein–protein interactions using biolayer interferometry (BLI, Octet) and high-throughput surface plasmon resonance (HT-SPR) technologies Plan and execute established assays, including off-rate, binding kinetics, competitive binding, and epitope binning experiments, to support pipeline projects from hit generation through lead optimization Contribute to the development and optimization of tailored, project-specific protein–protein interaction assays, as well as the implementation of novel technologies and methodologies within the relevant area of expertise Ensure accurate sample tracking and experimental data documentation using electronic laboratory sample and data management systems Analyze experimental data and communicate results through timely written reports and regular active contributions to team and unit meetings Conduct literature reviews with a focus on technical publications relevant to method development, assay optimization, and emerging technologies Coordination of laboratory equipment maintenance and servicing, including collaboration with external service providers Your expertise and ideal skill set MSc degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or related life science discipline BSc degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or related life science discipline with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience Hands-on experience with standard protein biochemistry laboratory techniques with the ability to work independently in a laboratory environment and adhere to good laboratory practices Fundamental understanding of protein biochemistry, including protein structure, stability, and molecular interactions Theoretical understanding of the principles underlying standard biophysical methods for protein characterization Ability to independently perform, document, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments, and to contribute to experimental planning Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques and expanding technical expertise in a dynamic, agile environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Experience with protein interaction analysis using BLI, SPR, ITC, MST, or related biophysical techniques Programming skills for data analysis and visualization (e.g., Python, R, or similar) Thrive with us A permanent position in full-time (40 hrs./week) in a dynamically growing company A modern, "state of the art" working environment Flexible working hours Regular opportunities for further training 30 days vacation Own company restaurant with subsidies Free drinks such as coffee, tea and water Job ticket or parking space for bicycle or car An international team in an international corporate environment A collegial environment with many opportunities for activities It´s in our blood We live diversity and stand for equal opportunities as an employer! We therefore look forward to receiving your application - regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, and religion. We explicitly welcome applications from people with severe disabilities and those with equivalent status. Do you have any questions? Then get in touch with your contact person. Mrs. Dorothee Schaupp Octapharma Biopharmaceuticals GmbH Im Neuenheimer Feld 590, 69120 Heidelberg Tel: +49 (0)6221 1852 546 Want to find out more about us? Visit our website Octapharma Career and follow us daily on LinkedIn .