Senior Scientist: Cell Pharmacology, Targeted Delivery Platform
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 new
drugs for patients within an early-stage therapeutics company backed by highly regarded
investors. 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 field
with 2+ years of industry experience, or a BS/MS with 6+ years and demonstrated
independent 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 program
ownership
● The chance to shape a first-in-class CNS delivery program at an early-stage company
backed by highly regarded investors