Staff Scientist, Molecular and Cellular Biology (industry experience required)

South San Francisco, California, United States

 

Septerna is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, CA on a mission to develop life-changing medicines for patients with the vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused drug discovery company. The company’s Native Complex Platform™ recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular context. This approach enables novel access to modern structural and screening technologies used in industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire class of GPCRs. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule programs with potential for growth to target many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date.

We are excited to expand our multidisciplinary team of individuals focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address the unmet needs of patients. At Septerna we strive to embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background through collaboration. To join our ambitious team, be prepared to bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to accomplish our mission. We share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations and cultivate an environment where our employees succeed by learning from each other and working as a team.

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development. You will directly help move therapies through preclinical research, positioning them for success in the clinic. The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team motivated to discover new disease-modifying therapeutics for patients in a fast-paced environment.

For more information see: www.septerna.com.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Staff Scientist who will support Septerna’s small molecule drug discovery pipeline. They will design, execute, and analyze in vitro and ex vivo studies to assess pharmacology, mechanism of action, and efficacy of Septerna’s drug candidates. They will work both independently and collaboratively to develop and run assays, generate preclinical data, and contribute biological insights to advance programs toward the clinic. They may also engage in assay development and implementation of advanced in vitro/ex vivo modeling approaches to support Septerna’s translational efforts.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to demonstrate their scientific expertise and grow within our R&D organization, contributing biological and physiological insights to projects as well as ideas for new therapeutic programs.

The position is based in South San Francisco, CA. Title and compensation commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

  • Design and execute in vitro/ex vivo studies to evaluate therapeutic mechanisms of action in complex cell or ex-vivo models
  • Generate, analyze, document, and interpret data to establish potency and efficacy relationships
  • Help build and expand in vitro/ex vivo modeling capabilities
  • Conduct literature reviews and interpret scientific publications to inform experimental design and troubleshooting
  • Participate in project teams and present results at lab, team, and departmental meetings
  • Author in vitro/ex vivo protocols, and study reports to support regulatory filings
  • Follow all company policies and practices; maintain accurate and complete laboratory records and electronic notebooks

Required Education, Skills & Experience:

  • PhD or MSc in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
  • At least 5 years (or 9 years with MSc) hands-on experience in academia, biotechnology, or the pharmaceutical industry with tissue culture, including handling cell lines and primary cells for MOA or receptor signaling studies
  • Experience using various scientific methods and techniques, including molecular biology (e.g., RNA/DNA/protein purification, qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA, and/or cell-based assays
  • Results-oriented with a strong track record of research productivity, as evidenced by impactful contributions to drug discovery projects and/or high-quality publications
  • Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills, with experience using an ELN (e.g., Benchling), writing protocols, and troubleshooting biological experiments
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and effectively interpret and present data

Preferred Skills & Experience:

  • Experience with in vitro/ ex vivo models of bone, kidney, and inflammatory systems
  • Experience with stem cell culture/differentiation and advanced cell culture techniques (e.g., spheroid, 2D/3D, and/or transwell cultures)
  • Hands-on experience with primary cell isolation from animal and/or human tissues
  • Familiarity with multi-omics data analysis and interpretation of complex datasets
  • Experience in small-molecule drug discovery
  • Experience in GPCR biology

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $140,000 - $170,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and annual target bonus for full-time positions.


 
Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.  We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.  Septerna participates in the E-Verify program.  California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice For Job Applicants.  If you are a California resident, click here for our CCPA Notice.

 

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