Protein Therapeutics Developability Assessment Scientist

Company: JLSa2
Location: South San Francisco
Posted on: March 7, 2026

Job Description:

JLSa2, founded in 2024, is a well-resourced, seed-stage venture backed company located in South San Francisco currently developing a robust pipeline of novel protein-drug conjugate therapies to better address human metabolic diseases and other non-oncology related diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated Protein Therapeutics Developability Assessment Scientist to support the evaluation and optimization of biologic drug candidates. This role will focus on assessing the physicochemical properties, stability, manufacturability, and overall developability of protein therapeutics to enable successful progression from discovery through IND-enabling studies. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with discovery biology, protein engineering, process development, formulation, and CMC teams to identify and mitigate risks early in the development pipeline. Key Responsibilities Developability Assessment Design and execute studies to evaluate the developability of monoclonal antibodies, bi-specifics, fusion proteins, or other recombinant biologics. Assess key attributes including: Aggregation propensity, Thermal stability, Solubility, Viscosity Chemical liabilities (deamidation, oxidation, glycation) Post-translational modifications Identify sequence- and structure-based liabilities and recommend engineering strategies for optimization. Biophysical & Analytical Characterization Perform and interpret data from techniques such as: SEC-HPLC, LC-MS DLS, DSC, DSF, CE-SDS SEC-MALS Analytical ultracentrifugation Support higher-order structure and stability assessments. Develop and qualify fit-for-purpose assays. Risk Assessment & Candidate Selection Contribute to candidate selection by providing developability risk assessments. Work with cross-functional teams to integrate developability data with potency, pharmacokinetics, and safety data. Provide recommendations for molecule optimization to meet project target candidate profiles. Protein Engineering Support Collaborate with protein engineering teams to improve stability, reduce aggregation, and mitigate sequence liabilities. Evaluate engineered variants and compare performance profiles. Use in silico tools to predict developability risks. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with: Discovery Biology Protein Sciences Formulation Development Process Development Analytical Development CMC teams Present findings to project teams and senior leadership. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate documentation and electronic lab notebooks. Contribute to technical reports supporting CMC Tech Transfer documents and IND filings. Ensure adherence to internal quality standards. Required Qualifications Education & Experience PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with 2–5 years industry experience OR MS with 5–8 years relevant industry experience Technical Expertise Strong understanding of protein structure, stability, and aggregation mechanisms. Hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical characterization techniques such as SEC-HPLC, LC-MS, SEC-MALS, DSF, DSC, viscometry/rheometry, and familiarity with MAURICE and UNCLE instruments is beneficial. Knowledge of antibody engineering and recombinant protein expression. Experience interpreting structure–function relationships. Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, JMP). Preferred Qualifications Experience with monoclonal antibodies and multi-specific biologics. Familiarity with computational developability prediction tools. Understanding of CMC considerations in biologics development. Experience supporting IND-enabling activities. Experience with ADCs and/or peptides containing non-canonical amino acids seen as an advantage. Key Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Detail-oriented with scientific rigor Effective cross-functional communicator Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Collaborative team player Reporting Structure Reports to: VP Protein Sciences Collaborates with: Discovery, Engineering, CMC Work Environment Primarily laboratory-based with data analysis responsibilities May involve collaboration across multiple sites Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000 (Compensation will be commensurate with experience/expertise/level and could fall outside of the stated range)

Keywords: JLSa2, Lodi , Protein Therapeutics Developability Assessment Scientist, Science, Research & Development , South San Francisco, California