Associate Scientist

Are you ready to join a team committed to making a meaningful impact on cancer treatment through the discovery and development of precision medicines? At Kura Oncology, you have an opportunity to be a part of something bigger, with a lasting impact that you can be proud of.

At Kura Oncology, we are working to change the paradigm and improve the science of cancer treatment. As an organization, we strive to cultivate a diverse and talented professional culture driven to develop precision medicine therapeutics.

As we continue to build a leading biotech organization with a strong culture, a patient-focused mindset and a team focused on relentless execution, we are looking for innovative, passionate professionals to join us and make our vision a reality.

To succeed at Kura, you will need to have a demonstrated ability for excellence in drug discovery and development and a roll-up your sleeves attitude. The ideal candidate will possess a values-driven work style where integrity and grit drive all behaviors, decisions, and actions.

Kura Oncology’s Translational Research group in San Diego is seeking a motivated, multiskilled bench scientist to support ongoing oncology research programs. The successful candidate will design, execute, and troubleshoot cellular and biochemical assays in a highly collaborative, fast-paced laboratory environment. The candidate should be experienced in standard molecular biology, biochemistry, and mammalian cell culture techniques, and possess strong data interpretation and communication skills.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct cell-based, genetic, and biochemical experiments to validate drug targets/mechanisms of action
• Perform and troubleshoot routine assays independently or with limited direction from supervisor
• Accurately document, analyze, and communicate experimental results, including at internal or cross-functional meetings
• Work collaboratively with the team to execute CRISPR/genetic screens and other large-scale projects on accelerated timelines
• Contribute to the development of novel methods/assays as needed to support dynamic research programs

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s with 4-6+ years' experience or MS degree in molecular/cellular biology/biochemistry or related discipline with 3+ years’ experience.
• Extensive experience in standard molecular biology/biochemistry techniques (immunoblotting, qPCR).
• Extensive experience in mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and cell line engineering.
• Proficient in tissue handling techniques such extraction of protein and nucleic acids from cells or tumors.
• Experience with gene expression tools and techniques (si/shRNA knockdown, CRISPR knockout, overexpression, transient transfection, stable viral transduction, library screening).
• Comfortable conducting and troubleshooting routine experiments independently while remaining highly organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to analyze/critically interpret data, generate summary/graphical representations using software such as GraphPad, and communicate results clearly and in a timely fashion.
• Eagerness to expand scientific and technical knowledge through literature consultation and collaboration with Kura colleagues.
• Flexibility in schedule, willingness to contribute to a highly motivated and productive team, and ability to adapt quickly to changing needs of the group and company.

The base range for an Associate Scientist is $82,255 - $117,270 per year. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location, and relevant education or training. Kura's compensation package also includes generous benefits, equity, and participation in an annual target bonus.

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Kura’s Values that are used for candidate selection and performance assessments:

• We work as one for patients
• We are goal-focused and deliver with excellence
• We are science-driven courageous innovators
• We strive to bring out the best in each other and ourselves

The Kura Package

• Career advancement/ development opportunities
• Competitive comp package
• Bonus
• 401K + Employer contributions
• Generous stock options
• ESPP Plan
• 20 days of PTO to start
• 18 Holidays  (Including Summer & Winter Break)
• Generous Benefits Package with a variety of plans available with a substantial employer match
• Paid Paternity/Maternity Leave
• In-Office Catered lunches
• Home Office Setup
• Lifestyle Spending Stipend
• Commuter Stipend (Boston Office)
• Regular employee social activities, including happy hours, monthly birthday celebrations, Kura Koffee Talks, and much more!

Kura Oncology is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to realizing the promise of precision medicines for the treatment of cancer. The Company’s pipeline consists of small molecule drug candidates designed to target cancer signaling pathways. Ziftomenib, a once-daily, oral menin inhibitor, is the first and only investigational therapy to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (“R/R”) NPM1-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (“AML”). In November 2024, Kura Oncology entered into a global strategic collaboration agreement with Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. to develop and commercialize ziftomenib for AML and other hematologic malignancies. Enrollment in a Phase 2 registration-directed trial of ziftomenib in R/R NPM1-mutant AML has been completed, and in the second quarter of 2025, the companies announced the FDA’s acceptance of a New Drug Application for ziftomenib for the treatment of adult patients with R/R NPM1-mutant AML and assignment of a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of November 30, 2025. Kura Oncology and Kyowa Kirin are also conducting a series of clinical trials to evaluate ziftomenib in combination with current standards of care in newly diagnosed and R/R NPM1-mutant and KMT2A-rearranged AML. KO-2806, a next-generation farnesyl transferase inhibitor, is being evaluated in a Phase 1 dose-escalation trial as a monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies for patients with various solid tumors. Tipifarnib, a potent and selective farnesyl transferase inhibitor, is currently in a Phase 1/2 trial in combination with alpelisib for patients with PIK3CA-dependent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. For additional information, please visit Kura’s website at www.kuraoncology.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Kura Oncology is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

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