Director, Discovery Biology Boston, MA USA

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts ( Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. We are actively seeking an exceptional biologist to join our team and make significant contributions to our pioneering work.

Position Summary:

Ampersand is seeking a highly motivated scientist to lead our discovery engine for antibodies and related protein therapeutics. The role will focus on identification and testing of target opportunities for our AND-body platform, with the aim of driving these projects to development candidate nomination, and then further supporting molecules through to IND. The successful candidate will play a critical role in building Ampersand’s growing pipeline of tissue-targeted biologic therapeutics.

As a member of our team, you will be responsible for leading a team of scientists in designing and executing experiments to understand activity, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential of early-stage biologics. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This is a primarily on-site role in South Boston.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead cross-functional teams to identify target opportunities and to design, plan, and execute studies to optimize cell-specific targeting and activity of multi-specific antibodies and antibody-based fusion proteins.
2. Guide development of in vitro assays to assess candidate molecules across portfolio projects in multiple disease areas.
3. Collaborate with Protein Sciences to generate and optimize the developability profiles of candidate molecules, and with In Vivo Pharmacology team to evaluate PK/PD, efficacy, and toxicity.
4. Collaborate with and oversee research activities conducted by Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
5. Contribute to preparing and writing INDs for therapeutic candidates.
6. Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
7. Lead and develop a high-performing and ambitious team by providing mentorship, growth opportunities, and clear career development pathways.
8. Foster a culture of collaboration and accountability through strong cross-functional communication, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders and driving business success.
9. Contribute to building a positive, team-oriented biotech culture.

Qualifications:

1. PhD or equivalent experience in Biology or a related discipline (e.g. Immunology, Genetics) with 8+ years direct pharmaceutical experience.
2. Experience defining early stage go/no-go criteria and moving projects to development candidate stage. Experience discovering and developing antibodies, protein therapeutics, or other types of biologics is a plus.
3. Demonstrated ability to organize and lead cross-functional teams and to effectively manage direct reports.
4. Familiarity with IND-enabling studies and preparing materials for the pharmacology section of an IND would be an asset.
5. Demonstrated ability to conduct original research utilizing cell systems to investigate disease biology or biological therapeutics.
6. Expertise to effectively guide in vitro pharmacology using systems such as primary cell culture, stable and transient protein expression, fixed and live cell imaging by IHC or immunofluorescence, flow cytometry.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to company executives, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, and/or partners.
8. Enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in the dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of a small biotech, specifically within the realm of in vivo sciences.

What We Will Offer You:

1. Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
2. A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
3. Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
4. Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.