Principal Scientist II, Immunology

ModeX Therapeutics is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Principal Scientist II, Immunology to play a leading scientific role in the discovery and preclinical development of novel multispecific biologics for immuno-oncology and immunology/inflammation indications. The successful candidate will play a central role across the full discovery lifecycle; from identifying therapeutic concepts and designing differentiated multispecific molecules through mechanistic characterization, candidate selection, and advancement into IND-enabling development. This individual will provide scientific and strategic leadership, work closely with cross-functional teams, and help translate innovative biology into IND-ready therapeutic candidates.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation immune therapies in a fast-paced and collaborative biotechnology environment. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for multispecific therapeutic programs in immuno-oncology and immunology/inflammation, from early ideation through IND-enabling development.
• Identify and evaluate novel targets, target combinations, mechanisms, and multispecific formats aligned with the company’s research and pipeline strategy.
• Develop differentiated therapeutic concepts and define clear biological hypotheses, candidate profiles, and experimental strategies.
• Lead target validation, molecule characterization, lead optimization, and candidate-selection activities.
• Design and oversee robust in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies to evaluate mechanism of action, potency, selectivity, target engagement, pharmacology, and translational relevance.
• Establish and apply screening cascades and decision criteria to prioritize molecules and advance programs through key stage gates.
• Generate integrated data packages supporting preclinical development, IND-enabling studies, regulatory documentation, and external partnering activities.
• Identify scientific, technical, and translational risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with protein engineering, antibody discovery, translational sciences, CMC, clinical, regulatory, and business-development teams.
• Lead, mentor, and develop scientists and research associates while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Ensure scientific rigor, data quality, and clear documentation across experimental design, data interpretation, and program decision-making.
• Monitor emerging scientific and competitive developments and incorporate relevant insights into research strategy and portfolio planning.
• Present program strategies, results, recommendations, and risks to research teams, senior leadership, collaborators, and external partners.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Immunology, Immuno-Oncology, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline, with 13+ years of relevant research experience, including at least 7+ years in a biotech or pharmaceutical R&D environment.  Ph.D. preferred.
• Deep expertise in immunology and immuno-oncology disease biology.
• Demonstrated track record of advancing biologic therapeutic programs from early discovery through preclinical development and IND-enabling activities.
• Experience developing multispecific antibodies, immune-cell engagers, antibody-based therapeutics, or other complex biologic modalities is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of target biology, mechanism-of-action studies, translational pharmacology, and preclinical candidate selection.
• Extensive experience designing and interpreting in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies relevant to immune-modulating therapeutics.
• Expert-level proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry is required, including panel design and optimization, assay development, instrument setup, data analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation of complex immune-cell phenotypes.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work hands-on in the laboratory when needed, including supporting critical experiments, troubleshooting assays, and helping the team meet key program milestones.
• Proven ability to develop integrated research strategies, establish program priorities, and make data-driven decisions under uncertainty.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional discovery teams and influencing program strategy within a matrixed organization.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience developing high-performing scientific teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts, recommendations, and risks.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a dynamic research environment.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, strategic thinking, adaptability, and commitment to innovation and scientific rigor.

ModeX Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer