Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist, ADC Cellular Trafficking and Transporter BiologyCompensation (Target Range)Base Salary: ~ $160,000Bonus Target: 17.5%Equity participation includedOverviewWe are seeking an accomplished and highly driven Principal Scientist to lead bench-facing efforts in the in-depth characterization of lysosomal trafficking and internalization dynamics of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).This is a highly lab-facing leadership role combining hands-on experimental execution with scientific strategy, assay development, and team mentorship. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject-matter expert in confocal imaging, intracellular trafficking, and ADC mechanism-of-action biology, while helping build and scale a growing cellular assay capability.A strong benchmark for this role is a scientist with deep expertise in ADC internalization and lysosomal trafficking biology.Scientific FocusThis role centers on understanding how ADCs function as a "Trojan Horse" system:ADC binding and internalization into cancer cellsEndosomal trafficking and intracellular routingDelivery to lysosomes ("cellular stomach")Lysosomal processing and payload release to induce tumor cell deathKey biological areas:Endocytosis and receptor-mediated internalizationLysosomal trafficking and degradation pathwaysEndosomal/microsomal transport biologyProteolysis and lysosomal enzyme activity (e.g., Cathepsin B)Cellular degradation mechanisms and trafficking dynamicsKey ResponsibilitiesScientific LeadershipLead development of cell-based assays to evaluate ADC internalization and lysosomal trafficking across multiple programsServe as confocal microscopy and high-content imaging subject-matter expertAct as a key scientific thought partner across biology, discovery, and translational teamsSupport lab operations including equipment oversight and reagent managementAssay Development & ExecutionDesign and execute imaging-based cellular assays for ADC mechanism-of-action studiesDevelop and optimize confocal and high-content imaging workflowsBuild scalable, high-throughput assay platforms as programs progressMaintain strong hands-on bench presence (~50% lab work expected)Data Analysis & CommunicationAnalyze complex imaging and cellular datasets and translate into actionable insightsGenerate figures, data packages, and presentations for internal and external useContribute to scientific documentation and potential publication effortsTeam Leadership & MentorshipMentor and develop junior scientists in assay development and imaging biologyEstablish laboratory best practices, assay standards, and data quality expectationsFoster a collaborative, rigorous, and high-accountability lab cultureQualificationsEducation & ExperiencePhD in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 4+ years industry experienceORMS with 8+ years of relevant industry experienceStrong preference for candidates with industry experience in biologics or antibody-based therapeuticsTechnical ExpertiseDeep expertise in lysosomal trafficking and intracellular transport biologyStrong experience with ADCs or related antibody-based modalitiesConfocal microscopy and high-content imaging expertise (must be confirmed, even if not listed on resume)Experience with cellular assays including:Internalization assays (e.g., pHrodo, fluorescence-based systems)Mechanism-of-action studiesCytotoxicity and functional cell-based assaysExperience with high-throughput or scalable assay development preferredFlow cytometry experience is a plusExposure to emerging modalities such as:LYTACs (Lysosome-Targeting Chimeras)AbTACsBispecific antibodiesAntibody-siRNA conjugatesScientific & Professional SkillsStrong experimental design and troubleshooting capabilitiesAbility to independently drive complex mechanistic studiesStrong data analysis and visualization skillsExcellent communication skills across technical and leadership audiencesProven leadership, mentorship, and lab ownership experiencePreferred Experience SignalsCandidates with experience in:ADC-focused biotech or pharma environmentsCell trafficking, endocytosis, or lysosomal biology programsHigh-content imaging platforms in industry settingsSmall to mid-sized biotech companiesCell-based mechanism-of-action assay development

Created: 2026-05-09