Scientist/Senior Scientist – Gene Therapy Vectors Innovation

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in South San Francisco is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist for Gene Therapy Vector Development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in gene therapy and strong managerial capabilities in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include managing a team, supporting vector development, and collaborating with project management. The role offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Equity and ownership

Access to a 24-hour gym

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Commuting stipend

401(k) Match

Flexible time off policy

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-8 years of relevant postgraduate experience in an industry setting.
• 2-4 years of experience in managing a research team.

Responsibilities

• Support innovative efforts in developing gene therapy vectors.
• Manage a team of 2-4 scientists.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Creativity

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Tools

Geneious

Benchling

SmartSheet

Job description

Job Title: Scientist/Senior Scientist – Gene Therapy Vector Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Status: Regular Full-Time

Reports to: Sr. Scientist

About SonoThera:

SonoThera is a venture capital-backed early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ultra-sound-guided non-viral targeted gene therapies to treat multiple diseases of high unmet need. The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera uses a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to solving many of the current challenges facing genetic medicine discovery and drug development. SonoThera is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

Job Summary:

The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera is seeking to hire a Scientist or Senior Scientist to become an integral part of the gene therapy drug development effort. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong managerial capabilities in high pace small biotech environment along with strong aptitude for innovation in the gene therapy vector development field. This position requires adaptability and the ability to excel in a fast-paced start-up environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive technical experience and a proven record of innovation in the field of gene therapy vectors development and manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Support the innovative efforts in developing gene therapy vectors.

• Managing a team of 2-4 scientists ranging from Research Associate to Associate Scientist levels.

• Provide day-to-day support for vector development team operations, including but not limited to vector design generation, maintenance of research records, and management of vector and oligonucleotide inventories

• Work in close connection with project management team and manage vector development activities, leveraging advanced project management tools such as SmartSheet to ensure accurate timelines, resource allocation, and milestone delivery.

• Manage external and internal collaboration activities

• Scope open-source resources to identify technologies that address major limitations in the delivery of non-viral gene therapy vectors.

• Establish novel development and manufacturing procedures for scalable production of next-generation DNA and RNA payloads.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in biological sciences (e.g., Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a related field), with minimum 3-8 years of relevant postgraduate experience in an industry setting.

• 2-4 years of experience in managing a research team in a high pace small biotech environment

• Meticulous attention to detail and effective communication of complex task details to the research team

• Demonstrated creativity and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team

• Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team with a balanced approach that is both collaborative and results driven.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Technical Requirements and Skills:

• Demonstrated success in developing potent and safe gene therapy payloads for both viral and non-viral delivery, evidenced by first authorship in peer-reviewed publications, patents, and presentations at major international gene therapy conferences.

• Strong working knowledge of enzymatic and cell-based nucleic acid manufacturing processes.

• Extensive experience in literature mining and designing DNA- and RNA-based gene therapy payloads.

• Ability to efficiently coordinate the daily activities of the research team in close collaboration with the project management team

• Proficiency in using Geneious, Benchling, and SmartSheet platforms.

• An ideal candidate will have familiarity with gene editing and high throughput screening technologies

• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $128,000.00 to $160,000.00 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.

Benefits

At SonoThera, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.

Access to a 24-hour gym

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Commuting stipend based on your geographical location

401(k) Match: SonoThera offers a dollar-for-dollar match

All full-time employees are eligible for our flexible time off policy

Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.