Absci · 4 hours ago
Associate Director, Pharmacology & Bioassays
Vancouver, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $190K/yr
5+ years expAbsci is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing novel therapeutics using generative AI. They are seeking a visionary scientific leader to spearhead a multidisciplinary team focused on in vitro and ex vivo functional characterization of next-generation biologics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)BiopharmaBiotechnologyLife Science
Hiring Manager
Jamie Low
Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team focused on in vitro and ex vivo assay development, mechanistic biology, and functional pharmacology
Serve as the primary pharmacology SME on internal project teams
Provide scientific direction on assay strategies and mechanistic understanding of biologic therapeutics, including MOA, receptor pharmacology, signaling pathways, and functional readouts
Uphold strong scientific rigor, reproducibility, data quality, and interpretation standards across all team deliverables
Oversee the design, development, optimization, and execution of cell-based functional assays that evaluate potency, mechanistic activity, selectivity, and biological relevance of Absci’s therapeutic candidates
Guide assay strategies supporting:
Target validation and MOA elucidation
Lead identification and optimization
Structure–function and functional epitope analysis
Cell biology studies relevant to disease-associated pathways
Integrate functional biology insights into quantitative pharmacology frameworks (e.g., dose–response modeling, receptor occupancy, PK/PD translation)
Represent the Pharmacology & Bioassays group on cross-functional project teams, translating complex data into actionable recommendations and clear articulation of program risks
Collaborate closely with Protein Engineering, HTS, and Disease Biology to drive cohesive, milestone-aligned experimental plans
Identify data gaps, propose scientifically sound solutions, and guide planning to ensure programs remain on track with the right assays and decision-making metrics
Support in vivo study design by developing complementary in vitro/ex vivo assays to inform MOA, PD biomarkers, and dose selection
Build and maintain state-of-the-art workflows and technologies relevant for cell-based and ex vivo assay systems (e.g., primary cell systems, cytokine/receptor signaling assays, flow cytometry, high-content imaging)
Implement best practices for assay robustness, statistical rigor, documentation, and reproducibility
Manage team resources, timelines, and workload across multiple programs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Evaluate and oversee external collaborations, including CROs and academic groups, as needed
Qualification
Required
PhD in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related discipline with 5-7+ years of industry experience, or an equivalent combination of advanced degree and experience
Demonstrated track record of scientific leadership and team development
Proven experience supporting or leading antibody drug development programs
Deep expertise in pharmacology and mechanistic biology of biologics, including antibodies, bispecifics, and other engineered protein therapeutics
Strong background in cell biology, including primary cell systems, cytokine biology, receptor–ligand interactions, signaling pathways, and effector function mechanisms
Extensive experience developing, executing, and troubleshooting in vitro/ex vivo functional assays, such as: Primary immune-cell or primary-cell functional assays, 3D/complex multi-component cell-based assay systems, Signaling pathway and reporter-based assays, Cytokine/chemokine readouts (ELISA/MSD), Flow cytometry and high-content imaging, ADCC/CDC or other immune-effector assays (when relevant)
Demonstrated experience advancing biologic drug candidates through key stages of drug development, including target validation, lead optimization, and IND-enabling studies, with direct contribution to at least one successful IND submission
Proven ability to lead and inspire scientific teams while maintaining high standards of quality and rigor
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex biological data into program-relevant insights
Highly collaborative, strategic, proactive, and adaptable to evolving priorities
Ability to thrive in a dynamic biotech environment and influence across functions
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision insurance
Unlimited vacation
Parental leave
Employee assistance program
Voluntary life and disability insurance
Annual bonus potential
401(k) with a generous company match
Company
Absci
Absci is the drug & target discovery company harnessing deep learning AI & synthetic biology to expand the therapeutic potential of proteins
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Absci has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (4)
2023 (1)
2022 (3)
2021 (2)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$394.26MKey Investors
AMDMerck Global Health Innovation FundCasdin Capital
2025-07-24Post Ipo Equity· $50M
2025-01-08Post Ipo Equity· $20M
2024-02-27Post Ipo Equity· $86.4M
Leadership Team
Sean McClain
Founder & CEO
Andreas Busch
Chief Innovation Officer
Recent News
2025-12-12
2025-12-11
2025-12-11
Company data provided by crunchbase