Company Overview
At Clasp Therapeutics, we are revitalizing immuno-oncology’s promise with next-generation T cell engagers (TCEs). Our novel TCE therapeutics enable a patient’s T cells to identify and specifically destroy tumor cells with absolute precision. Our medicines’ high level of precision and specificity essentially eliminate the likelihood of on-target off-tumor toxicities that have occurred with other TCEs. We have targeted our molecules to hard-to-treat tumors bearing common cancer driver mutations. Our specific platform structure targets mutated protein fragments, or peptides, that are displayed by specialized HLA and are designed to draw T cells into close contact with tumor cells. The resulting immune synapse is highly similar to a natural HLA molecule-T cell receptor interface with a high level of sensitivity, triggering T cells to destroy tumor cells. This approach enables a highly genetically selective paradigm where every patient has the opportunity to respond to treatment.
Founded in 2020, we are focused on bringing the outstanding science from our world-class founders to patients. In 2023, Clasp closed a $150 million Series A financing round led by Catalio Capital Management, Third Rock Ventures, and Novo Holdings. Clasp has created a vibrant culture with people who are committed to our mission in both our Cambridge, MA, and Rockville, MD sites.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly dynamic, communicative and experienced scientific professional to lead the antibody discovery and protein engineering (ADPE) programs at Clasp Therapeutics. The Head of ADPE will work collaboratively with the research, CMC, translational, business development and clinical teams to discover our pipeline of unique TCEs. This person has an excellent opportunity for career development through direct interaction with the entire company. In addition, the Head of ADPE will lead novel antibody discovery utilizing existing display technologies while expanding the technologies for the company. The candidate will provide strong focus on quality, leadership, vision and scientific direction across our pipeline of programs, ensuring we meet our aggressive timelines. In addition, the Head of ADPE will also lead key technologies for the discovery of our future drug candidates including protein engineering, thermodynamically driven protein structural modeling, and use of machine learning which are integral to the discovery of our future drug candidates. The candidate will have direct management responsibility for a small team and significant responsibility for guidance and mentoring across departments. The ideal candidate will continue to grow and evolve our capabilities to develop an increasingly functional and effective pipeline of products. This role requires a highly independent, collaborative, motivated, and innovative leader with a proven ability to solve complex problems while managing successful and collaborative execution within the company and with external collaborators.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the discovery and optimization of potency, specificity, and efficacy for pHLA specific binding domains engaged to T-Cells.
- Assume a hands-on leadership position by mentoring bench-level scientists as well as leading the design, generation, and optimization of highly specific and potent antibody variable domains integrated into our platform technology.
- Develop new antibodies, antibody fragments, and other formats for use as antibody fusion molecules.
- Oversee and take responsibility for internal antibody discovery and external supportive functions at CROs.
- Lead, manage, mentor, coach, and inspire team of direct reports.
- Serve as an internal expert in protein engineering, structural modeling, antibody library design, panning, selection, and screening of new antibodies.
- Develop novel in silico computational workflows to support the design and analysis of novel protein engineering efforts.
- Work closely with other teams to drive projects from conception through proof-of-concept and deliver drug development candidates with excellent developability and manufacturability.
- Contribute and evaluate new ideas and technologies in drug discovery and therapeutic strategy.
- Collaborate with external academic and industry partner(s) to strengthen capabilities.
- Prepare and present detailed analysis and reports to the project team, executive team, board of directors, and external collaborators.
- Keep detailed records, methods, protocols, molecule database, SOPs, etc., in our ELN system.
- Lead next generation capabilities in machine learning and AI.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, biological/chemical engineering, or related disciplines with a minimum of 15+ years of industry leadership and scientific experience
- Strong background in antibody discovery and engineering as evidenced by publications, participation in international conferences, and experience in advancing antibody-derived therapeutics from discovery to development candidate nomination
- Solid familiarity with biotherapeutic protein structure and its relationship with pharmacokinetics/pharmacology of biologics
- Previous hands-on experience with protein engineering methods, such as library construction, display methods (e.g., Phage) and structure-guided rational design, preferably in a therapeutic setting
- Experience with applying computational and machine learning approaches to protein engineering with proficiency in multiple thermodynamically driven modeling systems including FEP
- Direct experience interacting with external organizations, including academics and CROs
- Ability to prioritize your and your team’s responsibilities to deliver results in a timely manner
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-functional and fast-paced dynamic team environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and meticulous record keeping
- Strong multi-tasking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
- Experience managing senior level scientists and project teams in a matrixed environment
- Experience in immunology and immune-oncology related research is a plus
Clasp Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, national or ethnic origin, civil status, age, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, marital or registered civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process. Please contact us to discuss any accommodations you may need.
Note to Employment Agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Clasp Therapeutics about our openings. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Clasp Therapeutics via email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Clasp Therapeutics, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged for the position and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate is hired who was submitted outside the Clasp Therapeutics agency engagement process, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.