| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
About the role:
• We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually agile scientist to join our stealth-mode• biotech company and drive screening and characterization of candidate molecules from our• targeted delivery platform, which is built to reach a range of targets and tissues. This laboratory-• based role will be responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting in vitro and ex vivo• experiments that rank candidate molecules and support scientific decision-making.
• The successful candidate will be mechanistically minded, able to connect experimental• observations to underlying cell biology, build novel reproducible assays, and deliver results in a• fast-paced environment. The role sits at the interface of assay development, molecule design,• CRO management, and in vivo pharmacology.
The position is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the successful development of newdrugs for patients within an early-stage therapeutics company backed by highly regardedinvestors. Title and level will be set commensurate with experience.
Key responsibilities:
Develop and execute new cell-based assays to screen constructs against multiple• targets, including transport across in vitro barrier models (transwell systems, primary and• iPSC-derived cells, co-culture) Develop, optimize, and perform cell-based assays to evaluate the pharmacology of• binders and AOC variants on a variety of phenotypic readouts including receptor binding,• trafficking and transcytosis Culture and differentiate multiple cell lines and primary human cells using established• and custom protocols Work within an integrated, cross-functional team to lead candidate optimization using in• vitro and in vivo models to advance the program towards key decision points. Translate and develop selected RNA-based and protein-based assays to support in vivo• pharmacology studies Manage CROs for reagent production, optimization and scale-up to support in vitro and• in vivo studies Mentor associates, keep detailed records, present findings in team meetings, and meet• lab safety and quality standards
Qualifications:Required: PhD in Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related fieldwith 2+ years of industry experience, or a BS/MS with 6+ years and demonstratedindependent program ownership
Hands-on experience measuring transport across tight-junction barrier models in vitro/ in• vivo, and an understanding of receptor-mediated transcytosis, uptake, and intracellular• trafficking Proven tissue culture experience with human cell lines and primary human cells A track record building novel cell-based assays that moved a drug discovery program• forward Practical expertise in nucleic acid assays (qPCR, RNA-seq) and protein-based assays(flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, high-content imaging), including DNA and• RNA purification Scientific independence: owning a project, shaping its research plan, and becoming the• internal expert on new targets and disease biology quickly
Preferred Experience measuring binding affinity and kinetics using biochemical, biophysical, and• cell-based assays Expertise with antibody or other targeting protein engineering, including variant design,• affinity maturation, and structure-activity relationships Experience with bioconjugate or targeted delivery modalities (ADC, ASC, AOC, or• peptide and antibody carriers), or oligonucleotide therapeutics such as ASO or siRNA CNS experience, including hands-on work with neuronal cells, is not required but would• be very welcome
What we offer
Competitive compensation and benefits A collaborative, small-team environment with room to grow into broader programownership The chance to shape a first-in-class CNS delivery program at an early-stage companybacked by highly regarded investors
Location: Cambridge, MA