Lycia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company leveraging its lysosomal targeting chimera (LYTAC) platform from Founder and Chemistry Nobel Laureate 2022, Carolyn Bertozzi, to discover and develop first-in-class therapeutics that degrade extracellular and membrane-bound proteins. Lycia’s next generation degraders harness the cell’s endogenous lysosomal trafficking and degradation machinery with the potential to degrade targets previously considered to be intractable, across a spectrum of indications. After raising $105 million in capital in 2021, Lycia is advancing an internal pipeline of novel degraders and has entered a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly to address key unmet medical needs. In May 2024, Lycia Therapeutics completed a $106.6 million series C financing to advance its pipeline of LYTAC extracellular protein degraders to the clinic. Lycia is headquartered in South San Francisco.
Visit https://lyciatx.com/ for more information.
The Role:
The biologics team at Lycia Therapeutics is looking for an analytical Scientist I with experience in analytical development and biophysical characterization of biologics (bispecifics, ADCs, fusion proteins). This role will be part of the analytical group and will support research efforts in drug discovery, development, and manufacturability of novel biotherapeutic molecules. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in protein analytics and protein biochemistry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement novel analytical techniques for analysis of biologics that will further advance Lycia’s in-house capabilities and improve workflow efficiency.
- Independently design and execute studies for:
- o assessing protein-protein interactions and/or protein binding activity by SPR, BLI, ELISA, and/or mass spectrometry.
- o biophysical characterization of proteins using various modes of chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrophoresis, light scattering and other biophysical techniques.
- o assessing stability and manufacturability of potential drug candidates.
- Analyze, interpret and compile data, prepare reports, document studies in ELN, and communicate/present results to interdisciplinary project teams.
- Serve as functional lead on project teams, contributing toward the advancement of drug discovery and development efforts.
- Maintain and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.
- Work with contract organizations to outsource analytical activities
- Transfer methods/learnings to CDMOs for CMC and manufacturing activities.
- Bring in cutting-edge technologies and analytical techniques in-house
Requirements:
- PhD in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field, or MS8+ years, or BS10+ years experience in biotech/biopharma.
- Proven track record of competency in core discipline through publication.
- Experience with SPR, BLI, and/or native mass spectrometry to study protein-protein interaction, ligand-binding, stoichiometry, protein structure/function, protein complex formation, etc. is highly preferred.
- Experience with development and application of ELISA techniques
- Experience with developing chromatography methods – including HIC, HILIC, AX, RP, and SEC with various modes of detection (UV, FLR, MS) is highly preferred.
- Knowledge of cross-linking mass spectrometry for epitope mapping or proximity protein interactions is a plus.
- Experience in characterization of bispecific, and/or VHH and single domain antibodies is a plus.
- Experience with techniques for biophysical characterization of proteins including DLS/SLS, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, DSC/DSF
- Strong work ethic, with the ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment is required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate efficiently with cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status
What We Do
Lycia is a Series B biotech company building upon the novel platform developed by academic founder Professor Carolyn Bertozzi at Stanford University to develop LYTAC (lysosomal targeting chimera) protein degraders that harness the cell’s lysosomal trafficking and degradation pathway to target both soluble and membrane-bound extracellular proteins. Applications of the LYTAC platform include: targeting challenging membrane proteins, clearing pathogenic immune complexes in circulation and depleting antibodies to specific antigens of interest. The platform can potentially deliver next-generation therapeutics to address a range of difficult-to-treat diseases, including cancer and autoimmune diseases.
