R&D - Intrepide-Principal Scientist I, Biologics Discovery & Innovation - SZ

Principal Scientist, Biologics Discovery & Innovation Location: Suzhou, China Position Summary We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist with broad biologics knowledge and technical leadership expertise to drive global R&D projects through internal–CRO hybrid models. In this role, you will be a subject-matter expert for biologics discovery, engineering, and relevant technology platforms, validating new approaches and ensuring accelerated program delivery in areas such as oncology, immunology, ophthalmology, or CNS. Success requires managing multidisciplinary teams and external resources, applying advanced scientific and project skills to validate and co-lead biologics programs from concept to key milestones. This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of scientific excellence and strategic execution. You will apply deep domain expertise to evaluate and champion emerging biologics technologies, translating scientific insights into tangible program milestones. Success in this role requires the ability to orchestrate multidisciplinary internal teams alongside external CRO resources, driving biologics programs from early concept through critical development milestones with rigor, agility, and collaborative leadership. Key Responsibilities 1. Antibody Discovery Program Leadership • Serve as discovery lead or co-lead on critical antibody programs, overseeing the full arc from antigen design and immunization strategy through hit identification, screening, and lead selection. • Design and execute antigen engineering strategies—including recombinant protein design, hapten conjugation, and cell-based immunization approaches—to maximize the quality and diversity of immune responses. • Define clear program objectives, success criteria, and milestone plans to align cross-functional stakeholders and external discovery partners. • Oversee hybrid discovery workflows (internal + external) that integrate novel antibody technologies into therapeutic pipelines, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks to maintain program momentum. 2. Discovery Platform Expertise • Provide authoritative technical leadership across a broad range of antibody discovery platforms, including display screening for diverse antibody formats. • Lead and optimize single B cell cloning workflows campaigns, ensuring robust hit identification and efficient progression to lead candidates. • Guide teams on the scientific applicability, limitations, and optimal deployment of each discovery platform within the context of specific target biology and program requirements. • Stay at the forefront of the discovery field, continuously scanning the external landscape for breakthrough technologies and methodologies that could accelerate or differentiate the pipeline. 3. Advanced Antibody Modalities • Lead discovery campaigns for bispecific and multispecific antibodies, applying specialized screening and selection strategies tailored to complex, multi-target engagement requirements. • Evaluate and implement emerging modality-specific discovery approaches, ensuring the organization remains at the cutting edge of antibody format innovation. 4. CRO Management & Hybrid Workflow Execution • Strategically coordinate external CRO partnerships—defining project scopes, deliverables, quality standards, and timelines—to maximize operational efficiency and scientific output across discovery programs. • Serve as the primary interface between internal stakeholders and external discovery resources, ensuring seamless communication, alignment of objectives, and proactive resolution of technical or operational challenges. • Conduct regular performance reviews of CRO partners, driving continuous improvement and ensuring deliverables consistently meet internal