ScientistI/Scientist II, Biology (Must Have Small Molecule Drug Discovery Experience) - Scorpion Therapeutics
San Francisco, CA
About the Job
Scorpion is a pioneering clinical-stage oncology company redefining the frontier of precision medicine to deliver optimized and transformational therapies for larger populations of patients with cancer. Scorpion has built a proprietary and fully integrated platform of the most advanced technologies across cancer biology, medicinal chemistry, and data sciences, with the goal of consistently and rapidly creating exquisitely selective small molecule compounds against an unprecedented spectrum of targets. Scorpion aims to leverage its platform to advance a broad pipeline of wholly owned, optimized compounds across three target categories: best-in-class molecules targeting validated oncogene targets; first-in-class molecules for previously undruggable targets; and first-in-class molecules for novel cancer targets.
We are seeking a highly motivated cancer biologist to join our Target Biology team in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will play a key role in target ID/validation efforts and accelerating drug discovery by developing/implementing a variety of cell-based assays to elucidate target function and enable small molecule screening efforts. They will deeply explore the target biology to refine indication space and/or biomarker hypotheses, mechanistically "connect the dots" from target engagement to phenotype in disease-relevant contexts, and ideally will bring in-depth knowledge of transcription factor biology including mechanisms of regulation, interaction with transcriptional machinery and dynamics of DNA binding. As a core member of the biology group, they will collaborate closely with other functional groups to drive project momentum and communicate key biology updates cross-functionally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate novel precision oncology targets and elucidate mechanisms of transcription factor regulation using genetic and pharmacological approaches.
- Design, optimize, and implement robust cell-based assays to characterize drug/target MoA and to enable a robust screening funnel.
- Collect, process, analyze, and summarize data for presentations, reports, publications, and patents.
- Keep up to date with the latest scientific advances in technologies and trends in oncology research and development, and contribute to group strategy.
- Mentor and direct junior lab members.
- Maintain excellent communication across internal and external team members.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in cancer biology or closely related field with 2-6 years of additional experience in oncology discovery (ideally industry); BS/MS with 10-14 years industry experience (ideally small molecule drug discovery).
- Must have experience in cell-based assay development and execution across different cellular assay formats to enable small molecule drug discovery/characterization, ideally with some emphasis on transcriptional readouts (qPCR, luciferase-based reporters, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, ChIP-seq, HTFR, BRET, ALPHA screen, ELISA, Protein Simple, western, etc.).
- Broad technical experience sufficient to design and execute target validation and MoA studies (CRISPR KO/KI, genetic rescue, general molecular biology, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to independently and consistently drive projects from concept/hypothesis through major milestones (pipeline advancement or impactful publication)
- Exceptional scientific rigor and commitment to the highest-quality research with outstanding organizational abilities and scientific execution.
- A highly engaged and motivated self-starter who is creative, innovative, communicative and possesses both a collaborative and goal/results-orientated style.
- Desire to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment, while employing tact, patience, diplomacy and a collaborative spirit.
- Outstanding decision making, organizational and analytical skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Scorpion Therapeutics Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer who strives to create and maintain a diverse working environment. We do not discriminate for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Beginning October 13, 2021, Scorpion Therapeutics requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unable to receive the vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.