Freelance Protein Engineering Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for planning and developing an in-silico platform for antibody and other protein engineering in collaboration with other scientists in the group and across the company. The incumbent will be responsible for developing workflows for the de novo design of antibodies and proteins. This position assists in identifying and implementing departmental initiatives and strategies. This position may/will supervise the work of others directly and/or across interdisciplinary teams.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Independently designs and develop an in-silico platform for antibody and other protein engineering in collaboration with other scientists in the group and across the company
• Develops computational pipelines for protein structure determination using structural and/or sequence-based methods and/or artificial intelligence methods (e.g. Rosetta, AlphaFold)
• Develops computational pipelines for protein docking and antibody epitope mapping
• Independently combines data from different sources and analyze these or incorporate these into multidimensional optimization of protein interactions
• Leads a technical team to implement computational pipelines in protein design, engineering, or prediction
• Critically evaluates experimental data and incorporate this knowledge into design
• Provides input to the management team to identify, develop, and execute departmental initiatives and strategies.
• Leads technical team(s) to accomplish project goals and manages/coordinates work of other team members.
• Presents findings/analyses and any associated issues/solutions to peer groups and managers; make recommendations for project advancement.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives with other business units on projects/products or associated deliverables.
• Establishes and monitors direct report performance and development goals, assigns accountabilities, sets objectives, establishes priorities, and provides continuous coaching and recognition on performance.
• Stays current technological developments in area of expertise, expands knowledge through independent learning.
• Maintains organized, detailed and clear project records for self and direct reports.
• Understands, follows and enforces laboratory safety precautions to ensure compliance with company safety policies.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• PhD in structural bioinformatics, molecular biology, bioengineering, biophysics, computational biology, or related field with 2 years of relevant experience
• Expertise with protein and antibody modeling, including antigen-antibody interactions
• Publications in the form of high-profile papers/patents within protein prediction or de novo protein design, including antibody or enzyme engineering.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and/or machine learning methods is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Proven record of remaining current, learning new techniques/research in areas of computational biochemistry
• Superior scientific fundamentals and analytical background.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, and to collaborate with external parties
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to working in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment
• Expert problem solving skills and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills required, with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes. Ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Exceptional communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Project-level understanding and attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 10 % of the day may be spent at a laboratory bench.
• There are aspects of the position's duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work
o May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $116,600. to $177,800. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
EEO/AA STATEMENT
MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here.
Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.