Director, Antibody Discovery

Job Summary

The Director, In Vivo Antibody Discovery leads the design, implementation, and operation of antibody discovery platforms with a focus on immunization-based approaches. This individual directs therapeutic and tool antibody campaigns from target nomination through lead identification, serves as a technology or project leader within Biotherapeutic Research, and manages external collaborations. The ideal candidate is a seasoned immunologist who brings creative problem-solving to challenging targets and thrives in a fast-paced discovery environment.

Essential Functions

• Lead antibody discovery campaigns employing in vivo immunization strategies (conventional, transgenic, and novel immunization approaches) and complementary display technologies.
• Design and implement innovative immunization schemes to generate robust immune responses against difficult antigens (e.g., conserved epitopes, multi-pass membrane proteins, conformational targets).
• Direct and manage external collaborations and CRO partnerships for discovery and optimization of biotherapeutic candidates.
• Build and operate new technology platforms (single B-cell cloning, NGS-enabled repertoire mining, immune response profiling) to expand discovery capabilities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with immunologists, pharmacologists, protein engineers, and computational scientists to advance target validation and discovery programs.
• Lead and develop a team of scientists and research associates supporting antibody discovery and platform innovation; foster a culture of scientific rigor and urgency.
• Establish and execute ambitious, milestone-driven timelines across multiple concurrent discovery projects.
• Serve as an in-house subject-matter expert for due diligences, licensing evaluations, and technology assessments.
• Champion continuous improvement and emerging technologies (AI/ML-guided library design, high-throughput functional screening, repertoire sequencing) to maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant experience in antibody discovery (industry or academic).
• Deep expertise in in vivo antibody discovery: hybridoma, single B-cell cloning, transgenic animal platforms (e.g., OmniRat, Trianni, Harbour H2L2), and/or phage/yeast display.
• Demonstrated track record of advancing novel antibodies from discovery to candidate nomination.
• Proven ability to innovate - published or patented new approaches to immunization, screening, or selection that addressed previously intractable targets.
• Experience leading and growing scientific teams (5+ direct reports); strong mentoring and talent development skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with immunization strategies for challenging antigens (break-of-tolerance approaches, specialized adjuvants, DNA/mRNA immunization, antigen engineering).
• Hands-on experience with NGS-based immune repertoire analysis and bioinformatic mining of B-cell sequences.
• Familiarity with antibody optimization (affinity maturation, humanization, developability assessment).
• Experience managing CRO relationships and external discovery partnerships.
• Track record in both academic and industry settings is a plus.

Our Company

Incyte is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel medicines to meet serious unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammation and autoimmunity. Incyte is committed to the rigorous pursuit of research and development excellence to improve the lives of patients, make a difference in health care, and build sustainable value. We strive to discover and develop first-in-class and best-in-class medicines-advancing a diverse portfolio of large and small molecules.

Disclaimer:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

Incyte Corporation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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