Scientist I, Translational Biology

Our team is driven by the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of patients. We are passionate about innovative science and strive to discover and develop novel medicines, to bring value to the healthcare ecosystem, and to address significant unmet medical needs. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, and integrity and an environment where employees feel fulfilled by the work they do and are recognized for the contributions they make

Escient Pharmaceuticals is a San Diego based a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapeutics to address a broad range of neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. The company’s pipeline includes two first-in-class small molecule antagonists targeting MRGPRX2 for the treatment of various mast cell mediated disorders and MRGPRX4 for cholestatic pruritus. Escient is led by an experienced management and scientific team and funded by top-tier life science investors.

The Scientist 1, Translational Biology designs, plans, executes, and interprets translational biology, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology for validation of multiple targets across a variety of therapeutic indications, including inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. This position emphasizes broad experience in conducting a wide variety of immunological functional assays with a clinical translational focus, the ability to lead studies with minimal supervision, and interact positively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the ADME/DMPK group, plans, executes, and interprets pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in acute and chronic in vivo disease models
• Prepares technical reports
• Aids in fostering a culture of authenticity, open communication, transparency, integrity, mutual respect, and freedom to brainstorm and share thoughts and ideas
• Presents scientific data to multidisciplinary discovery teams
• Communicates effectively within project teams and work to progress against goals in a multidisciplinary setting
• Identifies lead compounds with desirable properties from activity and selectivity data, DMPK characteristics, and physiochemical properties
• Evaluates pathway biomarkers and endpoints from in vivo studies and human disease samples via techniques such as flow cytometry, qPCR, IHC, ELISA and Western blots
• Works effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting of chemistry, biology, pharmacology, supported by external CROs
• Designs, plans, executes, and interprets complex in vitro and ex vivo studies focused on understanding target biology and identifying small molecules for treatment of a broad range of therapeutic indications.
• Participates in the evaluation of new targets

Qualifications

• Experience with translational in vitro and ex vivo functional assays with tissue culture samples and human matrices, multi-parametric flow cytometry, multiplex ELISA, receptor functional assays and the application of these techniques to pharmacological studies
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• A broad understanding of cellular and molecular pharmacology concepts within a disease setting
• Proven track record of good experimental design, in-depth data analysis and interpretation based on strong scientific rationale
• Computer Skills: Advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Graphpad prism
• Demonstrated record of success in biological research as evidenced by publications and/or patents
• Able to handle multiple tasks and deliver high quality results under tight timelines
• Effective communicator in both oral and written form
• Experience in basic rodent handling, dosing, in vivo and ex vivo efficacy measures
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience with in vivo animal inflammation and autoimmune disease model development and animal handling is a plus
• Effective team player and strong individual contributor
• Effective at planning, organizing, and prioritizing
• Minimum of 8 years industry experience after M.S. or 2 years’ experience after PhD supporting small molecule drug discovery and translational biology
• Highly collaborative, self-motivated, and team-oriented
• MS or PhD in physiology, molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience or relevant biological discipline
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on research and development environment
• Proficient in laboratory bench skills such as ELISAs, Western blots, qPCR, Flow cytometry, and/or histology
• Adept at building strong relationships and collaborating with colleagues at all levels
• Desire to perform hands-on in vivo and in vitro biological experiments in a fast-paced research and development environment
• Experience with in vitro cell culture including primary cell lines, immune cells, neurons, transformed cell lines, and ex-vivo explants