Company Overview
At Clasp Therapeutics, we are revitalizing immuno-oncology’s promise with next-generation T cell engagers (TCEs). Our novel TCE therapeutics enable a patient’s T cells to identify and specifically destroy tumor cells with absolute precision. Our medicines’ high level of precision and specificity essentially eliminate the likelihood of on-target off-tumor toxicities that have occurred with other TCEs. We have targeted our molecules to hard-to-treat tumors bearing common cancer driver mutations. Our specific platform structure targets mutated protein fragments, or peptides, that are displayed by specialized HLA and are designed to draw T cells into close contact with tumor cells. The resulting immune synapse is highly similar to a natural HLA molecule-T cell receptor interface with a high level of sensitivity, triggering T cells to destroy tumor cells. This approach enables a highly genetically selective paradigm where every patient has the opportunity to respond to treatment.
Founded in 2020, we are focused on bringing the outstanding science from our world-class founders to patients. In 2023, Clasp closed a $150 million Series A financing round led by Catalio Capital Management, Third Rock Ventures, and Novo Holdings. Clasp has created a vibrant culture with people who are committed to our mission in both our Cambridge, MA, and Rockville, MD sites.
Title: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate; Antibody Discovery and Characterization
Reports to: Senior Scientist, Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering
Location: Rockville, MD
Position Summary
The Antibody Discovery and Characterization Research Associate is a key role in our discovery pipeline and an excellent opportunity for career development within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will help to lead the discovery and characterization of antibodies utilizing phage display libraries and optimizing biologic therapeutics towards developability and specificity. You will be a motivated, collaborative and innovative scientist with a proven ability to solve complex problems and manage successful technology transfer working with our internal analytical development and process development group, as well as CDMOs while helping to establish and build out the antibody/protein engineering group. This position offers a unique opportunity to bring automation and high throughput approaches to classical biochemical and molecular biology problems with the goal of discovering truly cancer-specific and life changing therapeutics.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute protein characterization experiments including binding kinetics, thermal shift assays, and protein:ligand proximity assays, independently and in collaboration with matrix team members.
- Utilize automation equipment in concert with classical molecular/biochemical and biophysical techniques to enable the discovery of antibodies and other proteins with novel binding properties for therapeutic use.
- Produce recombinant antibodies and other challenging novel proteins independently and with protein production group; including, molecular biology, stable and transient expression and purification.
- Contribute and evaluate new ideas and workflows to support the design and analysis of novel drug discovery and protein engineering efforts.
- Keep detailed methods, protocols and follow appropriate SOPs.
- Prepare and present detailed analysis and reports to the project team.
Qualifications
- BS/MS degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics or related disciplines + 0-2 years of experience working in a laboratory or industry setting
- Previous hands-on experience with biochemical and/or biophysical protein characterization (BLI/SPR, ELISA, thermal shift assays, AlphaLISA), antibody/protein purification/separation (HPLC/FPLC) and molecular biology (cloning, Gibson assembly, mutagenesis)
- Experience developing and/or applying automation/computational/engineering approaches to solve challenging biological problems, including high throughput screening
- Experience in antibody technology and immunology related research is a plus
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and meticulous record keeping
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
- Able to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to multitask, and prioritize tasks to deliver results in a timely manner
Clasp Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, national or ethnic origin, civil status, age, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, marital or registered civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process. Please contact us to discuss any accommodations you may need.
Note to Employment Agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Clasp Therapeutics about our openings. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Clasp Therapeutics via email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Clasp Therapeutics, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged for the position and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate is hired who was submitted outside the Clasp Therapeutics agency engagement process, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.
