Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist, Target Biology

Sr. Scientist/Principal, Target Biology

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 validation and early drug discovery efforts by utilizing cutting edge functional genomic techniques and developing/implementing a variety of biochemical and cell-based methods 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 study potential mechanisms of resistance. 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

• Evaluate novel precision oncology targets through genetic and pharmacological approaches.
• Leverage and expand on current CRISPR-based screening approaches to enable early stage pipeline advancement.
• Design and execute a series of experiments to drive in depth target validation, elucidate mechanistic biology to inform targeting modality, and identify biomarkers to generate hypotheses for early patient stratification.
• Design, develop, and implement robust biochemical- and cell-based assays to characterize drug/target MoA and measure compound potency and selectivity.
• Collect, 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. with a focus on cancer biology, cell or molecular biology, genetics or a closely related area of study and 5+ years of additional experience in oncology discovery (can include postdoc); BS/MS with 12+ years industry experience.
• Broad technical experience sufficient to design and execute target validation and MoA studies (CRISPR, RNAi, genetic rescue, general molecular biology, etc.).
• Experience designing, executing, and analyzing genome-wide CRISPR screens.
• Experience developing scalable and robust cell-based assays to enable drug discovery.
• Demonstrated ability to independently and consistently lead 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, 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.