Senior Scientist, Translation Development

About Kronos Bio:

Kronos Bio, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery and development of first-in-class therapies that modulate historically undruggable targets. We leverage deep capabilities in high-throughput small molecule microarrays (SMM), targeted protein degradation, and cancer biology in order to identify potent and selective compounds against transcription factors and other central drivers of oncogenic signaling.

Summary of Position: 

Kronos Bio seeks an experienced, highly motivated, and collaborative Sr. Scientist to join our Translation group. In this position within the Clinical Development group, the ideal candidate will utilize deep expertise in oncology and mechanistic understanding of disease biology to support early drug discovery and development programs. This individual will be expected to support translational activities within the laboratory, employing a variety of molecular and cellular techniques to understand mechanism of action (MOA), identify and validate both patient selection and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Key skills for success include a diverse experimental skill set, a positive and team-centered attitude, a willingness to learn and work collaboratively, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should have proven bench level expertise in establishing and performing a wide range of molecular and protein-based assays. The candidate will also be responsible for guiding and overseeing CROs for multiple projects, including overseeing internally developed assay transfers if required. Keeping the company up to date with the latest tools and platforms for both protein/nucleic acid-based markers will also be the candidate’s responsibility. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to both drug discovery and clinical projects in an innovative and fast-paced team environment with tremendous growth opportunity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and implement biomarker assays.
• Perform biomarker profiling for pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Serve as translation lead for drug discovery and development projects.
• Interaction with CROs for overseeing out-sourced projects.
• QC/QA of data generated by CROs plus internal clinical sample profiles.
• Ensure the department is aware of the latest biomarker assay platforms and recommend implementation of the appropriate technologies driven by project needs.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Maintain mammalian cell lines and primary human samples in tissue culture.
• Develop, validate, and execute cell-based assays to evaluate resistance mechanisms and drug combinations.
• Perform experiments to validate identified biomarkers and indications.
• Use molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, western blot, and MSD to characterize cell lines, primary human samples, preclinical and clinical trial samples.
• Evaluate protein expression in preclinical and clinical trial samples using IF, IHC and/or flow cytometry.
• Work collaboratively with other scientists within our multi-disciplinary Cambridge research team.
• Maintain accurate, well-organized experimental records.
• Organize and present experimental results at regular team meetings.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of advancements in the field including new laboratory techniques/technologies.

Qualifications:

• PhD in biomedical sciences with 3+ years of industry experience leading translational research projects.
• In-depth knowledge of cancer biology and oncogenic signaling pathways is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience with protein and cell-based assays, including mammalian tissue culture, IHC/IF, westerns, ELISA, microscopy, and flow cytometry. Experience with digital spatial profiler platform is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology technologies (e.g., NGS, expression profiling) is highly desirable.
• Experience with in-vivo cancer models including CDX, PDX, syngeneic.
• Proven ability to work independently and design experiments, troubleshoot, interpret, and report data.
• Highly analytical mind, attention to detail, and organization skills are critical.
• Collaborative and proactive attitude with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Embodies Kronos values; exhibits high degree of integrity and professionalism when interacting with outside investigators and vendors.
• Entrepreneurial and enjoys working in a fast-paced, creative and resourceful small company environment.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.