Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist, Immunology Drug Discovery

About Us
Jnana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its next-generation chemoproteomics RAPID platform to discover medicines for highly validated, challenging-to-drug targets to treat diseases with high unmet need. Jnana is focused on developing first- and best-in-class therapies to treat a wide range of diseases, including rare diseases, immune-mediated diseases and cancer. Jnana's wholly owned lead program is a potential first-in-class oral approach, targeting an allosteric site on the phenylalanine transporter SLC6A19, for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic metabolic disease. Located in Boston, Jnana brings together scientific leaders in small molecule drug discovery and development, a highly experienced management team and the backing of leading life science investors Bain Capital Life Sciences, RA Capital Management, Polaris Partners, Versant Ventures, Avalon Ventures, Pfizer Ventures and AbbVie Ventures. For more information, please visit www.jnanatx.com and follow us on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
About The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly skilled Immunologist and drug discovery project leader to join Jnana's Immunology Biology team as a Senior Scientist or Principal Scientist (level flexible based on experience). The ideal candidates will bring deep experience leading drug discovery programs from target identification and validation through Lead Optimization, and a strong track record of thriving in a highly collaborative environment. This individual will play an integral role leading established programs and identifying high value targets for the treatment of severe inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, leveraging the power of Jnana's RAPID platform to unlock historically difficult targets. They will have a track record of exploring novel biology using classical techniques such as flow cytometry, primary cell assays, and interpreting in vivo data, as well as state-of-the-art molecular and chemical biology techniques and pharmacological interrogation. Prior experience working with primary human immune cells is essential.
Responsibilities

• Represent Biology team in multi-disciplinary project teams to provide robust scientific and technical support; presentation at senior leadership meetings (internal/external).
• Build screening funnels to identify emerging chemical matter, and contribute to the overall research and data communication strategy for key programs.
• Contribute broadly via a deep understanding of the Immunology landscape, particularly in incorporating novel methodologies and emerging research.
• Leverage drug discovery experience to impact Jnana's Immunology pipeline and strategy.
• Establish strong cross-functional relationships with internal and external collaborators.
• Interrogate novel biology to drive target identification and strategic prioritization of programs.
• Lead the biological efforts on established drug discovery projects
• Develop and mentor Research Associates conducting laboratory research.

Preferred Qualifications & Past Experience

• PhD in Immunology, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology or similar discipline.
• Experience and success leading drug discovery programs in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, ideally with an auto-immune focused target.