Ref. 209 S

Head of Biologics Discovery

Translational & Discovery Research

IRBM is a scientific contract research organization (CRO) that stands at the forefront of drug discovery, leveraging a single, unified research facility, located in Pomezia (Rome), Italy, to accelerate team-based breakthroughs and improve efficiencies from initial concept to pre-clinical candidate.

With a history of contributing to several approved drugs, and its own internal pipeline of oncology and other therapeutic assets, IRBM is powered by deep collaborations and decades of expertise from leading global institutions. Our comprehensive in-house capabilities assist partners in achieving key milestones and progressing towards clinical readiness, positioning IRBM as a major player in driving innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields.

Job Description

IRBM is seeking an experienced and highly motivated scientist to lead and expand its Biologics Discovery activities. The successful candidate will provide scientific and operational leadership for antibody discovery programs while supporting the growth of IRBM’s biologics capabilities and service offerings. This position combines scientific leadership, team development, client interaction and business support within a highly collaborative drug discovery environment. The role is ideally suited to a scientist who combines strong technical expertise in antibody discovery with a pragmatic and entrepreneurial mindset. In addition to supporting client programs, the successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to internal scientific initiatives, technology development efforts and strategic research collaborations that complement IRBM’s discovery activities.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead IRBM’s biologics discovery activities with a focus on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
- Provide scientific leadership for antibody discovery, engineering and characterization programs.
- Expand and strengthen biologics capabilities, including:



Hybridoma-based monoclonal antibody generation; Single B-cell cloning and antibody recovery; Phage display technologies; Antibody engineering, humanization and affinity maturation; Recombinant antibody expression and characterization; Functional and developability assessment.
- Contribute to integrated biologics programs involving therapeutic antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other emerging biologics modalities.
- Identify and evaluate new technologies that strengthen IRBM’s biologics offering and support client needs.
- Lead, mentor and develop a growing team of scientists.
- Support client interactions, proposal preparation and business development activities.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across Biology, Protein Sciences, Structural Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Peptide Chemistry, DMPK and Translational Research.
- Contribute to internal research initiatives, technology platforms and strategic scientific collaborations.
- Support the scientific strategy and long-term growth of IRBM’s biologics capabilities.

Competencies/skills

- The successful candidate will be a collaborative scientific leader with a passion for developing people, building capabilities and delivering high-quality science.
- The ideal candidate will combine scientific rigor with a practical, solution-oriented mindset and will be comfortable operating at the interface between research, clients and business development.
- Strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, together with a commitment to scientific excellence, innovation and teamwork, will be essential for success in this role

Qualifications

Required

- PhD or equivalent degree in Immunology,



Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related discipline.
- 10+ years of relevant experience in biologics or antibody discovery.
- Hands-on experience with one or more antibody discovery technologies, including hybridoma generation, phage display and/or single B-cell cloning.
- Strong understanding of antibody engineering, characterization and developability.
- Experience leading scientists and managing research projects.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and client-focused environment.

Preferred

- Experience with antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and related biologics-based therapeutic modalities.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary environments combining biologics, chemistry, DMPK and translational sciences.
- Experience with bispecific antibodies, multi-specific antibodies and other next-generation antibody formats.
- Experience supporting client-facing research activities within biotechnology, pharmaceutical or CRO environments.
- Track record of scientific achievement demonstrated through publications, patents and successful research programs.
- providing scientists with opportunities to contribute both to client success and to the advancement of future drug discovery capabilities.

The position is based in Pomezia (RM).

Salary Pay Range

RAL 60’000 – 100’000

During the job interview, we will evaluate each candidate’s experience, and the job offer will be commensurate.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
IRBM considers all qualified applicants without discrimination, including on the basis of race, gender, age, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected classes. We nurture an inclusive culture where everyone can show their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling career

📌 Head of Biologics Discovery (Pomezia)
🏢 IRBM
📍 Pomezia