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Temporary Senior RA/Scientist, Proteomics

San Diego, CA

About Plexium:

Plexium is the premier, next-generation Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) company focused on the discovery of TPD drugs which overcome limitations of conventional approaches to broaden the therapeutic potential of TPD. Plexium is pursuing monovalent degraders, including a new class of selective TPD drugs called “Direct Degraders.” Direct Degraders are small molecules that are designed to bind to a pathogenic protein in a manner that results in selective degradation of the protein by the cell’s natural protein quality control machinery. In addition to direct degraders, Plexium is pursuing molecular glue degraders. This approach also leverages the cell’s natural quality control machinery, however in this case, small molecules bind to an E3 ligase, redirecting the ligase to selectively target pathogenic proteins for degradation. Plexium is pursuing drug targets that have previously been undruggable or inadequately drugged across multiple disease areas.

Plexium is powered by its proprietary TPD drug discovery platform which integrates degrader chemistry design principles and screening libraries with cell-based, target-specific degradation assays, including an ultra-high-throughput screening platform, to enable the identification of drug-like, cell-permeable degrader molecules. This integrated TPD drug discovery approach has led to the discovery of novel, selective direct degraders and molecular glue drug candidates, and two unprecedented E3 ligases.

Plexium is looking for a dynamic and hands-on Senior Research Associate or Scientist to join the teams to support our drug discovery efforts. The candidate must be a technical expert in mass spectrometry-based proteomics including sample preparation, data collection and data analysis. Responsibilities include maintenance of mass spectrometers and related lab instrumentation. The candidate will be a motivated team player that is able to present results and work closely across cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that advance multiple discovery programs in parallel. This position is a full-time, temporary position and would run approximately for six months. 

Job Responsibilities

  • Design and perform proteomics experiments to analyze protein expression, modification, and interactions using techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), DDA, DIA, and targeted proteomics
  • Perform routine maintenance and calibration of LC-MS systems (Evosep-TimsTOF HT) and proteomics-related equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Diagnose and resolve technical issues with instruments, including hardware, software, and method-related problems
  • Conduct routine QC checks to ensure instrument performance meets established standards. Analyze QC data and implement corrective actions as needed. Maintain detailed records of instrument maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and QC activities. Prepare reports and documentation as required
  • Perform various high throughput proteomic sample preparation workflows such as standard protein digestion, affinity purification coupled with MS, ubiquitin enrichment, and phosphopeptide enrichment
  • Analyze or assist in analyzing in proteomics data, including protein identification, quantification, and post-translational modifications, using bioinformatics tools and software (e.g. Maxquant, MS Fragger, DIA-NN, Spectronaut, Skyline)

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or a MS or BS degree with relevant experience
  • Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience operating mass spectrometry-based proteomics instrumentation (LC-MS/MS), preferably the Bruker timsTOF Pro and timsTOF HT systems
  • A proven track record optimizing sample preparation and mass spectrometry methods for functional proteomic studies
  • Strong knowledge of protein biology, including protein modifications (e.g. glycosylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination), and protein-protein interactions
  • Experience operating off-line HPLC separation (standalone HPLC) is a plus
  • Experience with automated and high throughput sample preparation platforms such as Agilent AssayMap bravo is preferred
  • Familiarity with common software for mass spectrometry data analysis (e.g. DIA-NN, Spectronaut, MaxQuant, MSFragger, Skyline, MSstats), and coding languages (R, Python) is a plus
  • Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across teams

The US hourly range for this temporary position is $41.11/hour - $56.25/hour. Our ranges are determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to the role, location, job-related skills, and relevant education, experience and training. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire base salaries for the position across all US locations and vary by the location of the position. Our Human Resources Team can share more about our salary ranges. 

 

Notice to third party recruitment agencies: Plexium does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed recruitment services agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement Plexium shall explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, shall be deemed the property of Plexium.

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