Principal Scientist, ADC Cellular Trafficking and Transporter Biology
Compensation (Target Range)
- Base Salary: ~ $160,000
- Bonus Target: 17.5%
- Equity participation included
Overview
We 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 Focus
This role centers on understanding how ADCs function as a “Trojan Horse” system:
- ADC binding and internalization into cancer cells
- Endosomal trafficking and intracellular routing
- Delivery to lysosomes (“cellular stomach”)
- Lysosomal processing and payload release to induce tumor cell death
Key biological areas:
- Endocytosis and receptor-mediated internalization
- Lysosomal trafficking and degradation pathways
- Endosomal/microsomal transport biology
- Proteolysis and lysosomal enzyme activity (e.g., Cathepsin B)
- Cellular degradation mechanisms and trafficking dynamics
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership
- Lead development of cell-based assays to evaluate ADC internalization and lysosomal trafficking across multiple programs
- Serve as confocal microscopy and high-content imaging subject-matter expert
- Act as a key scientific thought partner across biology, discovery, and translational teams
- Support lab operations including equipment oversight and reagent management
Assay Development & Execution
- Design and execute imaging-based cellular assays for ADC mechanism-of-action studies
- Develop and optimize confocal and high-content imaging workflows
- Build scalable, high-throughput assay platforms as programs progress
- Maintain strong hands-on bench presence (~50% lab work expected)
Data Analysis & Communication
- Analyze complex imaging and cellular datasets and translate into actionable insights
- Generate figures, data packages, and presentations for internal and external use
- Contribute to scientific documentation and potential publication efforts
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor and develop junior scientists in assay development and imaging biology
- Establish laboratory best practices, assay standards, and data quality expectations
- Foster a collaborative, rigorous, and high-accountability lab culture
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- PhD in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field with 4+ years industry experience
- OR
- MS with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
- Strong preference for candidates with industry experience in biologics or antibody-based therapeutics
Technical Expertise
- Deep expertise in lysosomal trafficking and intracellular transport biology
- Strong experience with ADCs or related antibody-based modalities
- Confocal 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 studies
- Cytotoxicity and functional cell-based assays
- Experience with high-throughput or scalable assay development preferred
- Flow cytometry experience is a plus
- Exposure to emerging modalities such as:
- LYTACs (Lysosome-Targeting Chimeras)
- AbTACs
- Bispecific antibodies
- Antibody-siRNA conjugates
Scientific & Professional Skills
- Strong experimental design and troubleshooting capabilities
- Ability to independently drive complex mechanistic studies
- Strong data analysis and visualization skills
- Excellent communication skills across technical and leadership audiences
- Proven leadership, mentorship, and lab ownership experience
Preferred Experience Signals
Candidates with experience in:
- ADC-focused biotech or pharma environments
- Cell trafficking, endocytosis, or lysosomal biology programs
- High-content imaging platforms in industry settings
- Small to mid-sized biotech companies
- Cell-based mechanism-of-action assay development
