Associate Director, Protein Sciences
Alector
Summary
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Protein Sciences leader to oversee protein science activities conducted internally and through external CRO partners. This is an opportunity to join Alector at a critical inflection point, lead and develop a small internal team, and build new capabilities supporting our growing focus on antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate therapeutics. This individual will serve as a cross-functional scientific connector and directly manage members of the Protein Sciences team. The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership and external-partner oversight with a willingness to work in the laboratory to train colleagues, introduce new techniques, and troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
Job description
Key Goals & Accountabilities
- Advance our Protein Sciences strategy. Lead internal and external Protein Sciences activities to deliver high-quality proteins and conjugates that support Alector’s research and development programs.
- Build capabilities for emerging modalities. Establish and evolve protein purification, conjugation, and analytical capabilities to advance antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates and other emerging program needs.
- Develop the team and scale our impact. Manage, mentor, and develop a small Protein Sciences team while providing hands-on technical guidance and effectively leveraging external CRO partners to meet program priorities and timelines.
- Accelerate programs from research toward development. Partner across discovery, platform, development, CMC, and other teams to advance lead candidates, ensuring production and analytical strategies address developability, process viability, and manufacturing considerations.
- Innovate how we work. Integrate new technologies, including AI and large language models, into Protein Sciences workflows to accelerate programs, generate insights, and use resources more effectively.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, protein sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, or an equivalent combination of MS/MSc with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Significant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience in protein sciences, therapeutic antibodies, or related biologic modalities, including experience leading and developing scientific staff.
- Demonstrated history of advancing therapeutic proteins or antibodies from research and discovery toward development, including familiarity with developability and CMC considerations.
- Broad scientific expertise across protein production, purification, characterization, and analytical methods, with hands-on experience using FPLC/AKTA and familiarity with HPLC, mass spectrometry, or related analytical platforms.
- Active user of large language models (LLMs), with a strong interest in applying evolving AI technologies to scientific research and drug development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates or closely related conjugated biologic modalities.
- Experience managing external CRO partnerships; experience working with WuXi Biologics or similarly fast-paced global CROs is a plus.
Requirements
- PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, protein sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience, or an equivalent combination of MS/MSc with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Significant biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience in protein sciences, therapeutic antibodies, or related biologic modalities, including experience leading and developing scientific staff.
- Demonstrated history of advancing therapeutic proteins or antibodies from research and discovery toward development, including familiarity with developability and CMC considerations.
- Broad scientific expertise across protein production, purification, characterization, and analytical methods, with hands-on experience using FPLC/AKTA and familiarity with HPLC, mass spectrometry, or related analytical platforms.
- Active user of large language models (LLMs), with a strong interest in applying evolving AI technologies to scientific research and drug development.
- Hands-on experience with antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates or closely related conjugated biologic modalities.
- Experience managing external CRO partnerships; experience working with WuXi Biologics or similarly fast-paced global CROs is a plus.
Benefits
- Flexible hybrid work options
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Well-being programs
Company overview
Alector is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company leverages advanced antibody technology and insights from neuroimmunology to create potential first- and best-in-class medicines. Alector's pipeline includes therapeutic candidates targeting Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions through its proprietary Alector Brain Carrier (ABC) technology designed to transport therapies across the blood-brain barrier. The company combines expertise in human genetics, neuroscience, and immunology to develop treatments that aim to remove toxic proteins, replace deficient proteins, and restore immune and nerve cell function. With approximately 240 employees, Alector operates as a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: ALEC) and has established collaborations with major pharmaceutical partners while maintaining a strong focus on creating transformative therapies for devastating brain disorders.