Scientist/Sr. Scientist, Genome Engineer/Molecular Biology - General Proximity

tl;dr

General Proximity is a seed-stage startup developing the next generation of induced-proximity medicines. Our OmniTAC drug discovery engine furnishes molecules that co-opt existing cellular machinery to overcome therapeutic challenges, which have remained unapproachable to other modalities for decades.

We are seeking first-rate Genome Engineers/Molecular Biologists to help us pioneer this uncharted frontier of drug discovery.

Our Story

A long-standing challenge in drug discovery is the development of molecules capable of modulating difficult or "undruggable" targets. Disease-causing proteins can be dysfunctional in many different ways, but our armamentarium for fixing them is quite limited. The most common mechanism of action for FDA-approved drugs is inhibition[1], but there are many other possible perturbation types whose potential remains unrealized.

General Proximity is a seed-stage drug discovery company developing a novel platform technology to solve this problem. We make bifunctional drugs that induce the modification of drug targets by existing cellular machinery (rather than through direct modulation by the drug, the classical approach).

Historically, the development of technologies that allow one to push new buttons in biology has been an incredibly fertile field for the discovery of new medicines[2, 3, 4], and our technology holds the same promise.

The Position

We are seeking an experienced Genome Engineer/Molecular Biologist to be a founding member of our Platform/Bioengineering Team. In this position, you will work in close conjunction with our Biology Team in the development of our core drug discovery technology and the generation of a completely novel class of therapeutics.

About You

High Agency. Initiative, independence, and self-accountability are some of our most valued traits.

Enthusiastic. We love people who are excited about what they are doing and are generally attempting to build a high-energy team.

Intensity and Grit. Early-stage startups are hard. Drug discovery is doubly so. We are looking for candidates who have a demonstrated ability to stick with complex problems for the long haul, with a team that has your back along the way.

Prosocial. We are here to create life-saving medicines for the patients who need it most. You should be, too.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years post-doctoral experience in academia or the biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in genome editing and engineering techniques, especially CRISPR-Cas9 systems and vector design for gene editing applications.
• Experience with lentiviral library construction, pooled screening, FACS sorting, and NGS data analysis.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques such as Gibson assembly, Gateway cloning, and PCR to design and construct vectors for gene editing applications.
• Functional Genomics
• High-throughput genomics assays.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis and visualization software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective team collaboration and scientific reporting.
• Experience with automation tools for high-throughput screening.
• Familiarity with Benchling laboratory software.
• Knowledge of cell line engineering and generation of stable cell lines.

Nice to Have:

• Ability to design experiments and interpret data for genome-scale screening.
• Advanced gene editing techniques such as Prime or Base Editing.
• Experience with automation and bioinformatics tools for genomic data analysis.
• Proficiency in the use of databases: Addgene, GenBank, EMBL-EBI, DNASU Plasmid Repository, NCBI's Clone DB, PlasmID Repository.

Key Responsibilities in this Role:

• Design and perform nested PCR to amplify ORFs from genomic DNA and construct lentiviral libraries for ORFeome screening.
• Implement high-throughput genomics assays, including pooled library construction and screening with subsequent FACS sorting.
• Analyze sequencing data from pooled screens using advanced bioinformatics tools and statistical packages such as STAR aligner, Bowtie, and edgeR.
• Conduct cell line generation, including the creation and maintenance of stable cell lines, and develop inducible systems for gene expression.
• Optimize protocols for viral production, transduction, and titering of lentiviral particles.
• Execute arrayed recruitment assays and fluorescence-based screens with proficiency in flow cytometry analysis.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to refine screening assays and troubleshoot experimental procedures.
    

Benefits

• Strong equity incentives. We are looking for candidates who will bring a strong sense of ownership to drive their project areas forward, and we believe that you deserve to be compensated accordingly.
• Top tier medical, dental, and vision coverage + One Medical membership.
• 401(k) retirement plans.
• Education and health/fitness incentive programs.
• Meditation retreats—do a ten-day Vipassana retreat without counting towards vacation days. 
• Reading budget! We will buy you books.
• Located in the MBC BioLabs at 135 Mississippi Street, an entrepreneurial hub full of the best scientists and operators the Bay Area has to offer. Our lab is a very short walk from the 22nd St Caltrain Station and a number of wonderful restaurants and cafés.

About Us

Work Hard/Play Hard. We believe time is our most valuable commodity, so we strive to create a culture that reflects this. We won't drag you through unnecessary meetings or email you at 7 PM on a Saturday. When we're at work, we're there to get things done, and when we're off, we're really off.

Strong Communication. We like well-written documents over PowerPoints, OKRs over vague mission statements, and weekly one-on-ones over yearly reviews.

Writing First. We have a "writing-first" culture. We believe that clarity of writing reflects clarity of thinking and that the benefits of well-written documentation in a scientific environment are innumerable: democratization of ideation and decision-making, increased reproducibility, quicker scaling and onboarding, and better company-wide alignment, to name a few.

Growth. As an early-stage startup, we value scientists with an independent, can-do attitude. The more hats you can wear, the better. Our job as employers is to put you in positive feedback loops so you can grow in the direction of your choosing.

Title and compensation commensurate with experience. Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, women, and members of underrepresented minority groups are particularly welcomed. We look forward to hearing from you. :)

More info at jobs.generalproximity.bio