Research Associate - Scientist

iPSC-neuron Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery

Proximity Therapeutics is an early-stage venture-backed company leading the discovery and development of a new class of medicines for patients with neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. We are leveraging cutting-edge human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of neurodegeneration to develop therapeutics.Our drug discovery platform developed by our co-founders at Harvard University and Mass General Hospital utilize novel and proprietary small molecules that eradicate disease-causing proteins and mitigate neurodegeneration.Our mission, and our passion, is to develop therapies that halt neurodegeneration and improve the lives of patients with unmet needs across the world.

We are seeking a creative, ambitious, and highly motivated individual to help establish our new research facility located in Mission Bay, San Francisco.As a founding member of the Biological Discovery team, you will have a central role in building a new biotech company from the ground up and the discovery and development of new life-changing therapeutics. You will help establish human iPSC-neuron models of neurodegeneration, execute assays to evaluate small molecules, interpret the data, plan experiments, and communicate the findings with the rest of the group.

Qualifications:

• Scientist or Sr. Scientist: A PhD degree with a highly productive track record of independent, and cutting edge multi-disciplinary research with 0-8 years of industry experience or BS/MS with >10 years of industry experience
• Title will be commensurate with experience.
• Research Associate or Senior Research Associate: A BS degree in biology or relevant field with 2-6 years of hands on experience.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience executing experiments utilizing state-of-art human iPSC-derived neuron cell culture for at least one full year
• Strong communication skills including public presentations
• Executing cell-based assays including immunofluorescence , and biochemical techniques including semi-quantitative Western blot analysis
• Team spirit: a collaborative, transparent and communicative mindset
• Passionate about developing therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases
• Organizational skills and flexibility

Other experiences & expertise that are not required but would be desirable:

• Peer-reviewed publications examining neurodegenerative diseases using iPSC disease modeling
• Fluent in various protein biochemistry techniques
• Previous experience building a startup biotech company a plus
• Demonstrated ability to execute troubleshoot and develop novel in vitro, cell-based pharmacology assays
• Small molecule screening, SAR, lead-op work
• ELISA, and confocal imaging of neurons and image analysis
• Analytical skills including data analysis with programs such as Prism, Image J, and “R”
• Molecular biology

Responsibilities:

• Some weekend and holiday work required to feed iPSC cultures
• Help establish a state-of-the-art research facility in San Francisco
• Contribute to developing therapeutics
• Work closely with an experienced executive team and a world-class scientific advisory board
• Culture iPSC-neurons and carry out assays including Western blotsand immunofluorescence

Proximity offers an exciting and fun work environment, career advancement opportunities, and a chance to learn and grow with the company as we expand. Title and salary plus benefits are commensurate with experience. We are funded by Mass General Brigham Ventures, Arclight (Mission Bio Capital) and Pillar VC portfolio.

Proximity Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Proximity Therapeutics makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.