Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist, Protein Science

Job description

**About Synolo Therapeutics:** Synolo Therapeutics, an early-stage biotechnology company launched by RA Ventures, is pioneering the development of precision-targeted immunotherapies for cancer. Powered by computational protein design and proprietary technologies that yield biological data sets at unprecedented scale and resolution, we are building a pipeline of first-in-class multi-specific biologics with novel functionalities. Synolo was founded by pioneers in the field of protein design and engineering, synthetic biology, DNA sequencing, immunology, and biologics drug discovery and development. **About RA Capital:** RA Capital Management funds and builds healthcare and life science companies using an evidence-based investment approach informed by TechAtlas, a think tank within RA Capital which analyzes scientific and clinical data from academic literature and industry sources to anticipate how breakthroughs might impact industry stakeholders, physicians, patients, and policymakers. TechAtlas' analyses are captured in a unique collection of competitive landscapes, or ‘maps’, that identify competitive therapeutics, diagnostics, research tools, and/or technological capabilities in a given area. **About the Role:** Synolo Therapeutics is seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to help establish and advance our analytical and biophysical characterization capabilities within the Protein Science team. This is a unique opportunity to shape a foundational scientific function at an early-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation biologic therapeutics. In this highly collaborative, hands-on role, you will partner closely with Biologics Discovery, Biology, CMC, and external CRO partners to generate the molecular insights that drive protein engineering, candidate selection, and development strategy. By integrating orthogonal analytical and biophysical datasets, you will develop a deep understanding of molecular behavior, identify critical quality attributes, and translate complex data into informed scientific and development decisions. You will play a key role in defining characterization strategies, implementing new technologies, establishing scalable workflows, and strategically leveraging external partnerships to maximize scientific impact and operational efficiency. As the Protein Science organization grows, you will have the opportunity to mentor scientists and contribute to the continued evolution of our capabilities. This role is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment, enjoys solving complex scientific problems, and is excited by the opportunity to influence the design, selection, and advancement of innovative biologic therapeutics. ### Key Responsibilities: - Define and lead analytical and biophysical characterization strategies that address key scientific questions and support therapeutic protein discovery, lead optimization, and development candidate selection. - Design, execute, and interpret analytical, biophysical, mass spectrometry, and stability studies to characterize molecular identity, product quality, critical quality attributes, molecular behavior, and degradation pathways. - Generate molecular insights by integrating analytical and biophysical datasets to establish structure-property relationships and translate findings into protein engineering, candidate selection, and development decisions. - Serve as the analytical and biophysical characterization lead on cross-functional project teams, partnering closely with Biologics Discovery, Biology, CMC, and external CROs to develop characterization strategies, solve complex scientific challenges, and ensure high-quality execution. - Evaluate, implement, and advance analytical and biophysical technologies, workflows, and external partnerships to strengthen internal capabilities and support the advancement of a growing pipeline. - Provide technical leadership and mentorship within the Protein Science organization, fostering scientific rigor, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. - Communicate scientific findings, strategic recommendations, and project updates to multidisciplinary teams, senior leadership, and external collaborators. ### Qualifications & Skills: - Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Protein Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, plus 3+/5+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience; or M.S. with 8+/10+ years or B.S. with 12+/15+ years of relevant industry experience in therapeutic protein discovery, characterization, or early development, for the Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist levels, respectively. - Deep understanding of protein chemistry, molecular biophysics, therapeutic protein quality attributes, and the analytical and biophysical principles governing protein stability, heterogeneity, and developability. - Demonstrated experience designing, executing, and interpreting analytical, biophysical, developability, and stability characterization studies to support therapeutic protein discovery, lead optimization, and development candidate selection. - Extensive hands-on experience with analytical characterization techniques, including SECHPLC/UHPLC, IEX/CEX, HIC, CE-SDS, icIEF, AC-SINS, and LC-MS (e.g., intact mass, peptide mapping, PTM characterization), as well as biophysical characterization techniques including DLS, DSF/nanoDSF, DSC, and related methodologies. - Experience designing and interpreting developability studies, including the use of orthogonal approaches such as PEG solubility, AC-SINS, self-interaction, viscosity, solubility, and polyspecificity/nonspecific binding assays, or related methodologies. - Experience designing and interpreting accelerated stability, stress, and forced degradation studies, including the investigation of degradation pathways, molecular liabilities, and critical quality attributes. - Demonstrated ability to integrate analytical, biophysical, and biological datasets to establish structure-property relationships and translate findings into protein engineering, candidate selection, and development decisions. - Proven ability to lead scientific initiatives and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams. - Excellent scientific communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts and influence technical decision-making. ### Preferred Experience: - Experience with advanced protein-protein interaction techniques, including SPR, BLI, KinExA, or related technologies. - Experience with therapeutic protein expression, purification, and process development. - Experience with complex biologic modalities (e.g., multispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, fusion proteins, or other engineered biologics). - Experience working at the interface of experimental and computational sciences, supporting AI/ML-enabled protein engineering and therapeutic discovery through the generation of highquality analytical and biophysical datasets. - Experience implementing new analytical technologies, establishing laboratory capabilities, and developing scalable scientific workflows. - Experience working with large, multidimensional datasets and leveraging modern computational and AI-enabled tools (e.g., Python, workflow automation, AI coding assistants, interactive scientific applications, and data visualization platforms) to improve scientific productivity, data analysis, and decision-making. - Experience managing external CROs and scientific collaborations. - Experience mentoring scientists and contributing to the growth of a collaborative scientific organization.