Principal Scientist II, Immunology

<p><span>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.</span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><span>This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation immune therapies in a fast-paced and collaborative biotechnology environment.  </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <p><strong><span>Key Responsibilities: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span>Provide scientific and strategic leadership for multispecific therapeutic programs in immuno-oncology and immunology/inflammation, from early ideation through IND-enabling development.</span></li> <li><span>Identify and evaluate novel targets, target combinations, mechanisms, and multispecific formats aligned with the company’s research and pipeline strategy.</span></li> <li><span>Develop differentiated therapeutic concepts and define clear biological hypotheses, candidate profiles, and experimental strategies.</span></li> <li><span>Lead target validation, molecule characterization, lead optimization, and candidate-selection activities.</span></li> <li><span>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.</span></li> <li><span>Establish and apply screening cascades and decision criteria to prioritize molecules and advance programs through key stage gates.</span></li> <li><span>Generate integrated data packages supporting preclinical development, IND-enabling studies, regulatory documentation, and external partnering activities.</span></li> <li><span>Identify scientific, technical, and translational risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.</span></li> <li><span>Collaborate closely with protein engineering, antibody discovery, translational sciences, CMC, clinical, regulatory, and business-development teams.</span></li> <li><span>Lead, mentor, and develop scientists and research associates while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.</span></li> <li><span>Ensure scientific rigor, data quality, and clear documentation across experimental design, data interpretation, and program decision-making.</span></li> <li><span>Monitor emerging scientific and competitive developments and incorporate relevant insights into research strategy and portfolio planning.</span></li> <li><span>Present program strategies, results, recommendations, and risks to research teams, senior leadership, collaborators, and external partners.</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span> </span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Qualifications: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>Deep expertise in immunology and immuno-oncology disease biology.</li> <li>Demonstrated track record of advancing biologic therapeutic programs from early discovery through preclinical development and IND-enabling activities.</li> <li>Experience developing multispecific antibodies, immune-cell engagers, antibody-based therapeutics, or other complex biologic modalities is strongly preferred.</li> <li>Strong understanding of target biology, mechanism-of-action studies, translational pharmacology, and preclinical candidate selection.</li> <li>Extensive experience designing and interpreting in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies relevant to immune-modulating therapeutics.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Proven ability to develop integrated research strategies, establish program priorities, and make data-driven decisions under uncertainty.</li> <li>Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional discovery teams and influencing program strategy within a matrixed organization.</li> <li>Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience developing high-performing scientific teams.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex scientific concepts, recommendations, and risks.</li> <li>Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a dynamic research environment.</li> <li>Demonstrated scientific creativity, strategic thinking, adaptability, and commitment to innovation and scientific rigor.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>ModeX Therapeutics