WHO WE ARE
DISCO Pharmaceuticals is an emerging biotechnology company with operations in Cologne, Germany, and Schlieren, Switzerland. We leverage a proprietary mass spectrometry-based technology platform to decode the molecular architecture of the cancer cell surface. By integrating expertise in cell biology, biochemistry, and computational analytics, we identify functionally relevant protein communities and novel therapeutic targets. Our mission is to develop innovative therapies for diseases with high unmet medical need, including cancer, and to translate new biological insights into meaningful clinical applications.
POSITION
We are seeking an experienced VP Antibody Engineering to lead and expand our antibody and protein engineering capabilities and drive the discovery of next-generation multispecific T-cell engager therapeutics. This individual will play a critical role in shaping the design, optimization, and advancement of our biologics pipeline by providing scientific and strategic leadership across antibody discovery, engineering, and candidate selection. As a key member of the scientific leadership team, you will build and lead a high-performing antibody engineering organization, oversee the progression of multispecific TCE programs from concept to development candidate nomination, and collaborate closely with Discovery, Translational Sciences, CMC, and Executive Leadership to establish innovative therapeutic approaches for patients with cancer. The role is based in Schlieren, ZH, and involves occasional business travel.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Building, leading, and continuously expanding DISCO’s antibody and protein engineering capabilities with a strategic focus on multispecific T-cell engager therapeutics, ensuring scientific excellence from discovery through clinical candidate nomination.
Providing scientific and organizational leadership,building a team and fostering a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture while supporting the growth and development of team members.
Defining and driving lead identification and optimization strategies, including antibody discovery, affinity maturation, humanization, developability assessment, immunogenicity risk mitigation, and manufacturability optimization.
Serving as the scientific leader for antibody engineering across the portfolio, providing strategic guidance on epitope selection, molecular architecture, therapeutic format selection, and structure-function relationships.
Leading the design and optimization of multispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers, with the goal of achieving differentiated efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetic, and developability profiles.
Establishing innovative technology platforms and engineering workflows, including computational approaches, library design, screening strategies, and data-driven molecule optimization methods.
Working closely with cross-functional teams, including Discovery Biology, Translational Sciences, CMC, Clinical Development, and Project Leadership, to advance programs from target validation through candidate nomination.
Managing external collaborations, technology partnerships, and CRO activities, ensuring high-quality deliverables, efficient execution, and alignment with program objectives.
Contributing to portfolio strategy, intellectual property generation, and business development activities, including the evaluation of external technologies and partnership opportunities.
Representing DISCO externally through scientific publications, conference presentations, and interactions with key opinion leaders and strategic partners.
YOUR PROFILE
Qualification
You hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Engineering, Immunology, Chemistry, or a related life science discipline. In addition, you bring more than 14 years of relevant industry experience in biologics discovery and development, including significant leadership responsibilities within biotechnology or pharmaceutical organizations. You have a strong track record of advancing multispecific antibody and T-cell engager programs from discovery through development candidate nomination and are passionate about translating scientific innovation into transformative therapies for patients with cancer.
Experience
We expect competencies in the following areas:
Recognized expertise in antibody and protein engineering, including design and optimization of monoclonal, bispecific, and multispecific antibodies, T-cell engagers, antibody fragments, and other complex biologics.
Proven track record of progressing biologics programs from discovery through candidate selection, ideally including multispecific T-cell engager therapeutics and immuno-oncology applications.
Extensive experience in antibody discovery technologies, including library design, screening strategies, affinity maturation, humanization, developability optimization, and immunogenicity assessment.
Deep understanding of molecular design principles affecting potency, selectivity, safety, pharmacokinetics, manufacturability, and overall developability of therapeutic proteins.
Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated success building, mentoring, and leading high-performing scientific teams in cross-functional and matrix organizations.
Experience working across Discovery, Translational Sciences, CMC, and Development functions to successfully advance innovative therapeutic programs.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including presentation of complex scientific concepts to executive leadership, external partners, and scientific audiences.
A strategic, entrepreneurial, and solution-oriented mindset, combined with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and highly collaborative biotechnology environment.
WE OFFER
Long-term career prospects through a permanent employment contract with a future-oriented company
Competitive compensation and attractive employment conditions
30 days of annual leave as well as a work environment that supports professional development
Exciting responsibilities at the interface of research and laboratory practice, offering a high degree of autonomy and opportunities to make an impact
A collaborative, international corporate culture with flat hierarchies, short decision-making processes, and regular team activities
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Tobias Schmidt (hiring@discopharma.de)
For data protection reasons, we can only accept applications via our online application tool. Any applications sent by email will be deleted immediately.