Chief Scientific Officer - Connecticut Innovations : Job Details

Are you ready to join Connecticut Innovation's vibrant community of innovators? Connecticut Innovations (“CI”) is Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm, and we are passionate about serving our portfolio of 220+ companies across various industries, with strengths in life sciences, technology, and climate tech.

Come join one of our quickly growing portfolio companies, AbbraTech – Custom recombinant antibody discovery and development services!

AbbraTech Overview

Antibodies are produced in the body as the part of the immune system to target foreign invaders. The development of therapeutic antibodies is an important aspect of new drug discovery pipelines. The assessment of an antibody's developability - its suitability for large-scale production and therapeutic use - is a particularly important step in this process.

The increasing demand for targeted therapies and technological advancements are two of the major factors behind the rapid growth of the antibody production market.

Abbratech's EPIVOLVEsm technology provides a comprehensive custom recombinant antibody discovery and development services platform to support the antibody production market.

Connecticut Innovations and others are Investors in AbbraTech.

Why Work At AbbraTech?

• Antibodies are currently one of the most crucial tools for research projects exploring the functions of various proteins in cells.
• AbbraTech's technology platform enables partners access to rational antibody product development.
• AbbraTech has an experienced Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board in place.

Chief Science Officer | Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Science Officer (CSO) to join our innovative startup biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutic antibodies, including site- and polymorphism-specific antibodies, T cell engagers and T-cell receptor mimetics (TCRms). The CSO will play a critical role in leading our scientific strategy, overseeing research and development activities, and guiding the company through the preclinical and clinical phases of antibody development. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader with expertise in antibody engineering, immunology, and therapeutic development to shape the scientific direction of a cutting-edge biotech company.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's scientific and R&D strategy in alignment with the company's overall mission and business objectives.
• Lead the development and optimization of pipeline progression from discovery through preclinical development.
• Oversee all aspects of the R&D process, including target identification, validation, lead optimization, and assay development.
• Establish and manage a high-performing scientific team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and executive team to identify and prioritize R&D programs, secure funding, and support partnership and licensing opportunities.
• Evaluate new technologies, scientific advancements, and emerging trends in therapeutic antibodies and immunotherapy to incorporate into the company's R&D efforts.
• Drive the integration of advanced protein engineering technologies, such as phage display, single-cell sequencing, and other platform technologies, to accelerate therapeutic development.
• Lead the development and submission of regulatory documents for IND applications and other required regulatory filings.
• Build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders, academic collaborators, and strategic partners in the field of immunotherapy and antibody engineering.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, investor meetings, and regulatory discussions, effectively communicating the scientific vision and progress of the company's programs.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field, with a strong background in therapeutic antibody discovery and development.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in biotech/pharma, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CSO, VP of R&D, or equivalent).
• Proven track record of successfully leading and advancing therapeutic antibody programs through preclinical and clinical phases.
• Expertise in antibody engineering technologies, including phage display, B cell cloning or hybridoma technology, next-generation sequencing, and other advanced protein engineering tools.
• Experience with developing site-specific and polymorphism-targeted antibodies, as well as TCRm development.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and IND submission processes.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific concepts to a broad range of audiences, including investors, regulatory bodies, and scientific collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with securing NIH or other funding, as well as experience in collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
• Familiarity with the commercialization of therapeutic biologics, including intellectual property management and licensing strategies.
• Strong network within the immunotherapy and biotech industry.

At AbbraTech, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches our work and drives innovation. AbbraTech is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply and join us in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.