DIRECTOR, BIOLOGY
POSITION SUMMARY
This scientist role will be a key member of the discovery team focused on broadening the therapeutic applications and mechanistic understanding of the Auto/dx platform. Key responsibilities will involve conceptualization, design and optimization of new therapeutics along with providing critical inputs in building biochemical and cellular assays for assessment of degrader molecules. The ideal candidate needs to have a strong background in chemical biology coupled with a deep understanding of the mechanisms of targeted protein degradation.
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Build and lead hit-finding and drug discovery cascades to identify and fully characterize small molecule ligands and progress to targeted protein degraders.
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Accountable for hit finding strategy vs. novel degradation E3 ligase targets. Directly contribute to the strategy for bringing novel E3 ligase and oncology targets to the dx/tx portfolio.
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In collaboration with chemistry, biology, and platform teams, quantitatively characterize binary and ternary complex formation and establish SAR to rapidly drive the hit-to-lead process.
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Develop and conduct biochemical and biophysical assays to support hit finding, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization campaigns.
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Deliver data, contribute to critical data evaluation, and provide strong discipline leadership to project teams.
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Augment our toolbox of biochemical/biophysical assay and characterization techniques to address the specific needs of targeted protein degradation drug discovery.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:
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Ph. D. in molecular biology, chemical biology or cell biology with 5+ years of relevant experience in biotech/pharma industry.
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Experience and deep knowledge in the design and optimization of small molecule transcriptional, epigenetic, or proteasomal regulators.
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Expertise with a variety of laboratory techniques such as western blots, immunofluorescence, FACS, qPCR, ELISA, tissue culture, gene expression, generation of engineered cell lines, liquid handling automation
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Experience in the development and application of biochemical and biophysical assays such as SPR, FRET, Alphascreen, CHIP, enzymatic assays along with relevant structural biology and computational tools to aid and optimize molecular design.
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Experience in establishing and overseeing outsourced CRO activities.
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Experience in managing CMOs, scientific collaborations, and contracted R&D.
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Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and fast-paced environment.