Scientist II

4D Molecular Therapeutics; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

4D Molecular Therapeutics in Emeryville, CA is seeking a Scientist II in Biomarkers & Immunology. You will develop and execute immunogenicity, PK/PD, and biomarker assays for preclinical and clinical work across ophthalmology, pulmonology, and CNS indications.

The role includes molecular biology, ligand binding, and cell culture, with collaboration across cross-functional teams. You will summarize experimental data, maintain notebooks, and contribute to CRO collaborations as needed, leveraging

Qualifications

• PhD with 5+ years of industry experience or MS with 7-8+ years; BA with 9-11+ years acceptable.
• Experience with AAV vectors, gene therapy, and bioanalytical assays.
• Strong data interpretation, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute immunogenicity, PK/PD, and biomarker assays across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Perform molecular biology workflows: nucleic acid/ddPCR/plasmid construction.
• Conduct ligand binding/protein assays (MSD/ELISA) and cell culture work.
• Summarize data for study teams and present findings; coordinate with CROs if needed.
• Maintain lab notebooks and stay current with literature in gene therapy analytics.

Skills

Immunology

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Bioanalysis

Biomarker assays

PK/PD

Data presentation

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

MS in related field

Bachelor's in related field

Tools

qPCR

ddPCR

RNA-seq

LC-MS

Molecular cloning

Job description

4DMT is a leading late-stage biotechnology company advancing durable and disease-targeted therapeutics with potential to transform treatment paradigms and provide unprecedented benefits to patients. The Company’s lead product candidate 4D-150 is designed to be a backbone therapy forming the foundation of treatment of blinding retinal vascular diseases by providing multi-year sustained delivery of anti-VEGF biologics (aflibercept and anti-VEGF-C) with a single intravitreal injection, which substantially reduces the treatment burden associated with current bolus injections. The Company’s lead indication for 4D-150 is wet age-related macular degeneration and the second indication is diabetic macular edema, which are both in Phase 3 development. The Company’s second product candidate is 4D-710, which is the first known genetic medicine to demonstrate successful delivery and expression of the CFTR transgene in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis after aerosol delivery.

We are taking genetic medicine to new heights and into new disease areas to overcome challenges not addressed by existing medicines. This incredible challenge drives our relentless and talented team. Our people are the essence of our inspiring, innovative and collaborative environment that encourages individual contributions and provides opportunities for career development. We seek the best in the industry who identify with our mission and our bold and innovative results-driven approach. Our Core Values drive the way we work together:

• Dare to Cure
• Break Boundaries
• Beyond Yourself
• Prepare & Execute Relentlessly

Join us in creating the future of genetic medicine.

General Summary

This Scientist II role is in the Biomarkers & Immunology department and supports biomarker measurements, and clinical pharmacology deliverables by developing novel bioanalytical methods and providing analysis and interpretation of key bioanalytical datasets. Working closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., Early-Stage Product Development, Project Management, Clinical Operations, and Clinical Development), these deliverables inform key program decisions. The Scientist II position in Biomarkers & Immunology department will be responsible for execution of gene expression assays, molecular biology, ligand binding assays, cell culture activities, histology workflows and sample processing. This Scientist II role may also contribute to management of assays performed externally at CROs. The Scientist II will be expected to work in a collaborative and flexible manner supporting other assays/workflows including biobank, safety and lab maintenance activities. In addition to hands on technical expertise this position will be required to summarize experimental data in presentations and datasets, maintain an up-to-date laboratory notebook and keep up with literature and scientific knowledge in the areas of gene therapy and bioanalytics. This position reports to the Sr. Director, Biomarkers & Immunology, and supports 4DMT’s mission and portfolio of targeted genetic medicines.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute Immunogenicity, PK/PD, and biomarker assays for preclinical and clinical use across multiple therapeutic areas (e.g., ophthalmology, pulmonology, CNS).
• Molecular biology experimental execution (ie nucleic acid/ddPCR/plasmid and vector construction/molecular cloning)
• Ligand binding/protein assay experimental execution (ie MSD/ELISA)
• Cell culture activities and sample preparation to support diverse experimental workflows
• Review and interpret bioanalytical datasets for quality, trends, and consistency; summarize findings for study teams and contribute to data summaries.
• Histology sample preparation and IHC/ISH experimental execution
• Effective data summary and presentation to internal teams

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Degree in Immunology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or related field
• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline with 5+ years of industry experience; OR
• Master's degree with 7-8+ years of industry or related experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree with 9-11+ years of industry or related experience

Experience:

• AAV Vector experience
• Cell culture, sample preparation
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, and droplet digital PCR; RNA-seq; and tissue culture of primary cells and established cell lines.
• Bioanalytical and/or biomarker assay development experience
• Working knowledge of clinical pharmacology concepts (PK/PD, exposure metrics, dose selection, exposure–response) and experience translating study objectives into bioanalytical strategy (e.g., sampling strategy, assay performance characteristics), data generation plans, and interpretation for biologics and/or gene therapies
• Molecular biology: qPCR, ddPCR, plasmid and vector construction, molecular cloning, and other nucleic acid manipulations
• Ligand binding assays, cell-based assays
• Familiarity with ligand binding assays and LC-MS
• Experience in testing large sample sets in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and requests
• Excellent communication skills with internal 4D colleagues and external audiences
• Excellent data summary/presentation skills

Travel:

<5%

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements - Lifting up to 20 lbs, bending, lifting, twisting, ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as lab coat, goggles/glasses, and nitrile gloves
• Working Conditions - The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (as in typical office or administrative work).

Base salary compensation range: $140,000 - $155,000

Please note, the base salary compensation range and actual salary offered to the final candidate depends on various factors: candidate’s geographical location, relevant work experience, skills, and years of experience.

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran, and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities