The Opportunity

Visterra, Inc., is looking to hire a Scientist with a solid foundation in human immunology and broad experience in discovery and development of antibody-based therapeutics.

Reporting to a Senior/Principal Scientist, Research, this individual will play a key role in contributing to therapeutic discovery programs, by conceiving, developing and implementing assays to support discovery and validation of therapeutic antibody candidates. The successful candidate will be a collaborative team player, critical thinker, and clear communicator. The ideal candidate should have substantial research experience in immunology, biology, biochemistry, or a related field.

This is a full-time laboratory-based position located at Visterra’s facility in Waltham, MA, with occasional opportunity to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to project-based teams developing therapeutic biologic molecules from conception through pre-clinical in vivo studies.
• Design and execute experiments involving antibody discovery, antibody engineering and in vitro/in vivo antibody/antigen characterization.
• Independently analyze scientific results, troubleshoot methods and conceive creative solutions and workflows to address challenges.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methods to enhance antibody discovery and understanding the biological properties of therapeutic candidates.
• Document, analyze and interpret data for internal decision making, publications, presentations, patents and regulatory filings.
• Develop research plans and manage multiple workflows and activities.
• Maintain expertise in the field by staying current to relevant literature and attending relevant conferences.
• Management of up to 1-2 research associates in conducting research to support discovery program efforts.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or M.S./B.S. in biology, immunology, biochemistry, or related field with 0-2 years (Ph.D.) or 7+ years (M.S./B.S.) of post-graduate industry research.
• Relevant experience in screening, engineering, and characterization of biologics/antibodies.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing biochemical and cell-based assays.
• Ability to design, develop and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to probe disease biology and characterize therapeutic candidates.
• A strong ability to communicate scientific topics in writing and presentations.
• Strong self-motivation and demonstrated ability for independent work in a laboratory setting.
• Track record of demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Strong data analyses skills and solid written and oral scientific communication and documentation skills.
• Occasional travel for conferences, and other industry events (less than 5% travel).

Other Qualifications

• A foundation in understanding of antibody structure and function, roles in immune regulation, and therapeutic applications.
• Experience conducting original research in cell biology, immunology, target discovery, or therapeutic mechanism of action.
• Experience with high-throughput automation technologies, such as a Tecan liquid handling robot.
• Previous managerial experience a plus

Benefits

We provide comprehensive benefits and resources to support your work, life, and balance.

• A 401(k) retirement plan with a 10% dollar-for-dollar match.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits, with Visterra contributing 80% to the monthly premium.
• A rich mental & behavioral wellness program.
• Short- and long-term disability programs.
• Group and voluntary life insurance.
• Pre-tax flexible spending and commuter accounts.
• 17 days of personal time, discretionary sick time, and 11 holidays per calendar year. Personal time accrual grows to 22 days after 3 years, with additional one-time grants of 5 days every 5 years.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• A broad fitness reimbursement program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• A variety of employee discounts.

Visterra

We are a team of 100 talented and driven people working passionately and collaboratively to develop a robust pipeline of innovative antibody-based therapies for patients with unmet needs. Our proprietary technology platform powered by our state-of-the-art laboratory enables the discovery and engineering of precision antibody-based product candidates that specifically bind to, and modulate, key disease targets for the treatment of patients with kidney, inflammatory and other hard-to-treat diseases. Visterra is a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan. As a member of the Otsuka family of companies, we have the advantage of being a dynamic, nimble, innovative organization where you can make direct, meaningful impacts while benefitting from the support, stability, and long-term perspective of a 100-year-old global company.

Visterra provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.