Senior/Principal Scientist, Program Biology and Pharmacology (contract)

Totus Medicines; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biotechnology company is seeking a Senior/Principal Scientist to drive early-stage pipeline projects in immunology and inflammation. This role involves designing and executing critical assays, leading cross-functional teams, and advancing drug candidates from discovery to development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in immunology, a PhD, and extensive industry experience. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and a growth mindset, and contribute to pioneering therapies that transform treatment paradigms in oncology and beyond.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in immunology or related field.
• 12-20+ years of industry experience in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vivo efficacy and PK studies.
• Develop and execute in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays.
• Coordinate with CROs and manage assay workflows.

Skills

Immunology

Cellular Biology

Cancer Biology

In Vivo Efficacy Studies

In Vitro Assays

Data Communication

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

12-20+ years of industry experience

Tools

Mammalian Cell Culture

PBMC Handling

Tissue Processing

Job description

Senior/Principal Scientist, Program Biology and Pharmacology (contract)

Totus Medicines is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering precision small molecule therapies to transform treatment paradigms in oncology, immunology, and inflammation (I&I). Our proprietary OmniDEL platform, powered by a novel DNA-encoded covalent library and advanced AI/ML integration, enables the simultaneous screening of hundreds of millions of drug candidates against multiple targets. This innovative approach allows us to identify promising therapies for previously undruggable and difficult to drug targets.

We are searching for a talented Immunologist with a growth mindset to support early-stage pipeline projects leveraging novel covalent drugs. You will be developing, optimizing and executing key assays across a range of detection platforms to support immunology and inflammation projects. You will also be instrumental in supporting the advancement of drug candidates from early-stage discovery biology into development candidate selection and in vitro mechanism of action studies. You will work as part of a collaborative team in generating key data to advance drug candidates in preclinical and clinical development. This opportunity is a 6-12 month contract.

How you will contribute:

• Design sound in vivo efficacy and PK studies to support characterization of lead small molecule candidates and summarize vetted results clearly and concisely
• Design, develop, and execute a broad range of cell based functional and phenotypic in vitro assays to understand the mechanism of action and potency of hits identified from DNA encoded library screening
• Execute lab-based activities with meticulous sterile technique and attention to detail to support in vitro and ex vivo cell-based assay efforts (e.g. mammalian cell culture, PBMC handling, tissue processing)
• Work in teams as the immunology subject matter expert
• Develop screening funnels to drive medicinal chemistry efforts towards development candidates and characterize mechanism of action
• Coordinate and communicate with CROs on outsourced activities and assist with internal approvals, transfer of assays, materials and/or know-how for execution at external sites
• Demonstrate ability to multi-task, organize and execute effectively with competing demands

What you will bring:

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in immunology, cellular or cancer biology, or a related field for 12-20+ years.
• Strong background in immunology
• Proficiency designing and coordinating in vivo efficacy and PK studies through CROs, including communication, tracking progress, thorough data review and reporting to internal stakeholders. Models include xenograft (PDX, CDX) and immunology/autoimmune disease models
• Expertise in primary immune cell culture and developing and executing in vitro and ex vivo cellular assays including immune cell phenotyping, cytotoxicity, proliferation and cytokine analysis
• You will have experience in pro-actively planning and managing assay workflows; including organizing time, materials and resources to execute project goals efficiently
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and the ability to organize and communicate complex data sets clearly and concisely to key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Experience in leading and organizing cross functional teams
• In this lab-based position, you will have an appreciation and respect for laboratory operation, cleanliness, safety and good lab citizenship
• Culture is key at Totus Medicines – you will be part of a dynamic, collaborative and free-spirited organization. In this regard, you will bring a strong growth mindset, a positive can-do attitude and deep curiosity to learn and grow with us at Totus

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