Senior Scientist - Degrader Antibody Conjugate Cellular
Nurix Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of targeted protein degradation medicines, the next frontier in innovative drug design aimed at improving treatment options for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases. Powered by a fully AI-integrated discovery engine capable of tackling any protein class, and coupled with unparalleled ligase expertise, Nurix’s dedicated team has built a formidable advantage in translating the science of targeted protein degradation into clinical advancements. Nurix aims to establish degrader-based treatments at the forefront of patient care, writing medicine’s next chapter with a new script to outmatch disease.
Position
We are seeking an accomplished scientific leader who will define and drive our in vitro screening and pharmacological characterization capability for Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs). Our DAC platform pairs antibody-based targeting with our degrader expertise to direct protein degradation to specific cell types, and this scientist will own the in vitro strategy defining how candidate molecules move through the screening cascade — from primary screening through mechanistic pharmacological characterization of drug candidates.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has built deep expertise in the ADC and/or DAC field and wants to apply that experience in designing and running in vitro pharmacology studies into a highly collaborative discovery organization, while operating with a high degree of scientific independence. The scientist will independently design, execute, and analyze cellular assays that characterize DAC activity, and will partner closely with discovery biology, conjugation chemistry, analytical biochemistry, DMPK, and automation to advance candidates from early screening through development candidate selection. Success depends as much on scientific vision, influence, and communication as on technical depth: the ideal candidate is self-driven, resourceful, and organized — a strong strategic thinker, an effective and compelling presenter, and a proven leader who can align and drive teams in a matrixed setting without relying on direct authority.
Responsibilities
- Bring rich knowledge of the preclinical drug discovery workflow for ADCs/DACs to shape integrated characterization plans, connect in vitro pharmacology to in vivo and translational strategy, and anticipate the data packages needed for candidate progression.
- Design, build, and drive the in vitro pharmacology and screening framework for DACs and biologics, from primary screening through mechanistic and quantitative characterization.
- Serve as a key scientific decision-driver for DAC in vitro pharmacology, providing sound judgment on assay strategy, data interpretation, and go/no-go recommendations.
- Lead and influence a matrixed, cross-functional organization, partnering with discovery biology, conjugation chemistry, analytical biochemistry, DMPK, and chemistry automation to translate strategy into execution and to advance multiple programs in parallel.
- Lead the design and execution of pharmacology studies, working closely with team members, to assess the biological activity and mechanism of action of lead molecules and drug candidates.
- Develop and perform cell-based assays to characterize DAC and biologic activity, including antigen binding, target engagement, and targeted protein degradation, using cutting-edge technologies and automated workflows.
- Cultivate and maintain mammalian cell lines (experience manipulating cell surface antigens and engineering reporter lines used to characterize DACs is preferred).
- Stay current with the latest scientific literature and industry developments in the fields of ADCs, DACs, biologics, and targeted protein degradation.
- Mentor and develop scientists, in a matrixed environment, to build team capabilities and ensure compliance to best practices.
- Communicate and champion scientific findings and strategy through clear, compelling presentations to project teams and senior leadership; author study reports and technical documentation, and drive scientific discussions that shape project direction.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biology, etc.) with 4 or more years of relevant post-graduate industry or academic research experience, or MS with 8 or more years of relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing and setting up in vitro pharmacology studies and screening cascades; prior experience building screening/assay cascades in the ADC or DAC field is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership in a matrixed, cross-functional environment, with the ability to influence, align, and drive teams and programs.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a track record of clearly conveying complex science and recommendations to project teams and senior leadership.
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and the ability to independently execute, analyze, and report results of quantitative cellular assays relevant to conjugate characterization (e.g., luminescence-based degradation, viability, or internalization assays).
- Experience with mechanistic assays that dissect DAC activity, such as antibody binding and intracellular drug release, is highly desired.
- Familiarity with automation equipment (e.g., liquid handlers) and automated workflows.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment in evaluating and interpreting experimental data.
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and advance multiple projects simultaneously in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
Location: Brisbane, CA (Onsite role)
Nurix Culture and Values
- Strong team orientation; highly collaborative
- Solutions and results-oriented focus
- Hands-on approach; resourceful and open to diverse points of view
