Principal Scientist (m/f/d) Protein Engineering Full-time NEW

Principal Scientist In Protein Engineering

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Scientist in Protein Engineering to join our Biotherapeutics Discovery Research organization in Vienna. In this role, you will lead the design, engineering, and optimization of next-generation therapeutic proteins, with a particular focus on T-cell engagers, including multispecific antibodies and other innovative biologic modalities. You will drive projects from early-stage research through candidate selection.

Working closely with cross-functional Oncology teams, you will leverage your expertise in antibody engineering, structure-function relationships, biophysical characterization, and developability assessment to translate novel biological concepts into differentiated protein-based therapeutics.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists, ensuring high standards of laboratory safety, data quality, and professional development.
• Drive the design, engineering, and optimization of multispecific antibodies and other therapeutic proteins, applying innovative protein engineering strategies.
• Provide scientific and project leadership across portfolio projects, managing multidisciplinary teams from exploratory research through candidate selection.
• Collaborate with Oncology scientists, internal experts, and external partners to translate emerging biological insights into differentiated protein-based therapeutic concepts.
• Apply protein engineering expertise, leveraging computational, structural, and data-driven approaches to optimize activity, selectivity, stability, expression, and developability.

Requirements

• PhD in Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field, combined with substantial postdoctoral and/or industry experience in therapeutic protein or antibody engineering (3-5 years of industry experience).
• Proven track record in the design and optimization of therapeutic proteins, ideally including multispecific antibodies or other complex biologics, with a strong understanding of antibody architecture and protein structure-function relationships.
• Experience integrating sequence, biophysical, biochemical, and functional data to drive protein optimization; familiarity with computational protein design, structural modeling, and AI/ML-based approaches is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary discovery projects from exploratory research through candidate selection, supported by strong scientific judgment, communication skills, cross-functional collaboration, and effective decision-making in matrix organizations.
• Hands-on, solution-oriented leader with a strong sense of ownership, a positive and proactive mindset, and a proven ability to deliver innovative therapeutic concepts through collaboration, agility, and operational excellence.

Your Benefits

• Flexible working time models: home office and flexible working hours, depending on department and position – many things are possible with us.
• Additional days off (“bridge-days”): more free time through additional days off to bridge single working days between bank holidays and the weekend – without having to use vacation days.
• Canteen & Cafeteria: whether it's coffee and croissant for breakfast, various lunch menus or snacks in between – our subsidized staff restaurant & cafeteria has something for every taste including vegetarian and vegan options.
• Learning & development: diverse training and development opportunities for your personal and professional growth. Because: you never stop learning.
• Health promotion: health is important to us – that's why we offer different programs to promote physical and mental health.
• Public transport ticket: we encourage our employees to use public transport on their daily way to work. Costs for public transport? We cover them!

The remuneration for this position starts at EUR 90.900 gross annual target salary per year (full time). The actual salary package depends on professional experience and qualifications. We will be happy to discuss further details in person.