CAR-T Cell Development and Binder Discovery- Principal Scientist/Associate Director

Position: CAR-T Cell Development and Binder Discovery- Principal Scientist/Associate Director

Location: San Francisco Bay area

Department: Cell Therapy Platform Research

Our Company
Founded in 2020, Overland Pharmaceuticals is establishing a leading cross-border platform company focused on advanced modalities through strategic partnering and in-house R&D. Seeded by Hillhouse Capital with access to the global innovation and biopharma ecosystem, Overland is building an initial oncology portfolio of first-in-class allogeneic cell therapies and ADC programs through strategic partnerships with Allogene and ADC Therapeutics. In particular, Overland is establishing GMP manufacturing facilities and expanding our cell therapy platform to focus on next-generation iPSC-based cell therapies to serve global patients.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our research team. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in building an CAR-T binder discovery and validation capability to support development of our next-generation allogeneic cell therapy products. Overland Pharmaceuticals offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Drive identification of novel binder sequences to advance the cell therapeutics pipeline by leading as well as independently performing CAR binder discovery campaigns using in vitro antibody discovery and optimization techniques.
  2. Lead development of high throughput CAR screening pipeline and execution of cellbased functional and biochemical assays to select lead CAR T candidates for clinical development of next generation allogeneic products.
  3. Supervise multiple cutting-edge antibody selection techniques to synthetic and immune antibody libraries, such as phage display, yeast display, FACS sorting, plate-based screening.
  4. Characterize CAR binders’ properties in various affinity and activity assays.
  5. Supervise and support binders’ affinity maturation and/or humanization efforts.
  6. Supervise CRO activities on antibody discovery, binder sequence characterization and CAR functional assays.
  7. Document the results in a detailed manner in Laboratory journal and in internal Databases.
  8. Present research updates and participate constructively in working project teams and at laboratory group meetings.
  9. Support business development scientific due diligence as subject matter expert.

Skills and Competencies

  1. At least 3+ years of experience working with engineered T cells and/or other engineered cells (i.e. primary NK cells, iPSC-derived cell types, etc.).
  2. Knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, affinity, and activity assays.
  3. Experience in antibody discovery technologies and CAR-T binder discovery and engineering is strongly preferred.
  4. Experience in mammalian protein production encompassing expression and purification is preferred.
  5. Experience in flow cytometry and lab automation.
  6. Experience in working effectively in matrix environment and collaboration with different functional areas.
  7. Knowledge in NGS methodologies.
  8. Familiarity with structure/function relationship and structural interpretation.
  9. Experience in project management/leadership.
  10. Entrepreneur spirit with agility and can-do attitude.

Educational Requirement

  1. PhD/MS/MEng in Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology or related field. Title and compensation commensurate with skills, achievements, experience, and education.

Overland Compensation and Benefits:

  1. The expected salary range for this position based on the South San Francisco is $165,000~$195,000. The pay ultimately offered will be determined based on job-related qualifications, education, experience, and other job related factors permitted by law.
  2. Overland offers a competitive employment package that includes a discretionary annual bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

  1. Overland is an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.