We are the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI). We are a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes. Building your career at the IBRI in Indianapolis’ 16 Tech Innovation District, means being part of a team of renowned scientists, creative thinkers, and innovative leaders.

Today’s research is being driven by significant advances in our abilities to study complex disease processes and propose new ways to improve patients’ lives. To reflect the evolving nature of life sciences research and encourage synergies through collaboration, we’re enhancing our integrated capabilities, adding depth to how we approach patient-informed translational science and pursuing four foundational areas of scientific focus. These four areas will provide us the core talent and capability to pursue translational science in this new patient-centric framework:

• Disease, Systems, Pathways – We’re working to better understand diabetes and identify new ways to combat the disease. We’re applying this learning to other diseases that share common systems and pathways.
• Molecular Innovation – We’re developing new capabilities for molecular design and drug discovery to investigate disease processes and pursue new therapeutic approaches.
• Integrated Data Sciences – We’re pursuing advanced data sciences to create novel end-user inspired solutions that address complex analysis, simulation, and prediction across the translational sciences.
• Enabling Technologies – We’re building a rich platform of enabling technologies that give our scientists, partners, and collaborators access to the best tools to solve complex scientific problems.

The IBRI’s vision is to build a world-class organization of researchers, innovators and business professionals that catalyze activities across the Indiana (and beyond) life sciences community. To achieve that vision, we look for curious and collaborative team members who are energized by innovation, guided by integrity, and inspired by diversity of ideas and perspectives towards progression of life science translational research.

The Opportunity:

The IBRI Protein Therapeutics group has a Staff Scientist position available for an individual with training, knowledge and experience in contemporary molecular and synthetic biology, and a desire to expand their skillset into isolation and characterization of recombinant antibodies through phage display technology. Working in IBRI’s Protein Therapeutics lab, the Staff Scientist will be involved in collaborative research projects that include preparation of recombinant proteins using diverse expression systems, use of these proteins as antigens to screen IBRI’s phage display recombinant human antibody library, and characterization of candidate antibodies for development as molecular diagnostics or as candidate therapeutics for use in translational studies.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments for recombinant antibody discovery over a portfolio of research projects, including:
  • Expression vector design and construction via molecular cloning.
  • Perform routine gel electrophoresis for analysis or manipulation of DNA or proteins.
  • Propagation of recombinant bacteria clones for DNA isolation or protein expression.
  • Characterize protein expression characteristics using diverse systems including E. coli, yeast, baculovirus/insect cell, and mammalian systems including CHO or Expi 293t.
  • Optimize protein purification schemes for diverse proteins.
  • Conduct phage display screening and organize and rank candidate lead molecules.
  • Scale protein expression of promising recombinant antibodies.
  • Prepare and label buffers, media, stock solutions for experiments.
  • Perform other assays on-demand such as antibody/antigen ELISA or BiaCore/Octet for affinity measurements of antibody/antigen pairs.
• Work with molecular biology design tools such as primer design, genome browsers, tools, sequencing analysis.
• Maintain a detailed lab notebook to accurately document records of experimental methods and results and develop/modify/optimize experimental protocols in coordination with the Protein Therapeutics team.
• Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
• Present results at lab meetings and with internal or external collaborators.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies.
• Prepare research plans and budget proposals for external collaborative work with academic, industrial, start-up, and contract research entities.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field, with at least 3 years of work experience post-degree in industrial and/or academic research, is required.
• A strong track record of publications, patents, abstract submissions, or other proof of continual professional growth is required.
• Demonstrated expertise and passion for laboratory work in synthetic and molecular biology and in cell culture/aseptic technique for insect cell/baculovirus, CHO, and/or HEK293 protein production are mandatory.
• Molecular microbiology experience such as creation of engineered E. coli or yeast strains (Saccharomyces and/or Pichia) for protein production is highly preferred.
• Custom mammalian cell line engineering experience is highly preferred, including via engineered recombinant lentivirus or CRISPR/Cas9; in line with this, candidates with high-level molecular virology experience will receive special consideration.
• Experience with yeast and/or phage display systems for affinity binder discovery is preferred, but a willingness to learn is essential.
• Antibody engineering expertise is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
• Must be open to learning new techniques.
• Good organizational skills and communication skills are required.
• Willingness to participate as a mentor in the IBRI summer intern training program is essential.
• Willingness to cross coordinate with diverse teammates including synthetic chemists, cellular pharmacologists, and disease experts is essential.
• High level experience with expression vector design and construction and protein expression/purification are preferred.
• Proficiency in use of AKTA or BioRad NGC chromatography systems or equivalents and proven design and execution of protein purification schemes are highly desirable. 

Compensation:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered, commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The IBRI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate since age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.