Senior Scientist – Gene Therapy Vectors Innovation

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Status: Regular Full-Time

Reports To: Senior Scientist, Gene Therapy

About SonoThera:

SonoThera is a venture capital-backed early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ultra-sound-guided non-viral targeted gene therapies to treat multiple diseases of high unmet need. The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera uses a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to solving many of the current challenges facing genetic medicine discovery and drug development. SonoThera is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

Job Description:

The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera is seeking to hire a Senior Scientist to become an integral part of the gene therapy drug development effort. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate critical thinking and possess a strong aptitude for innovation in the gene therapy vector development field. This position requires adaptability and the ability to excel in a fast-paced start-up environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive technical experience and a proven record of innovation in the field of gene therapy vectors development and manufacturing.  

Responsibilities:

• Support the innovative efforts in developing gene therapy vectors
• Scope open-source resources to identify technologies that address major limitations in the delivery of non-viral gene therapy vectors.
• Establish novel development and manufacturing procedures for scalable production of next-generation DNA and RNA payloads.
• Conduct high-throughput screening.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in biological sciences (e.g., Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a related field), with minimum 5-8 years of relevant postgraduate experience in an industry setting.
• Meticulous attention to detail and effective communication of complex task details to the research team
• Demonstrated creativity and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Technical Requirements and Skills:

• Demonstrated success in developing potent and safe gene therapy payloads for both viral and non-viral delivery, evidenced by first authorship in peer-reviewed publications, patents, and presentations at major international gene therapy conferences.
• Strong working knowledge of enzymatic and cell-based nucleic acid manufacturing processes.
• Extensive experience in literature mining and designing DNA- and RNA-based gene therapy payloads.
• Ability to efficiently coordinate the daily activities of the research team in close collaboration with the project management team
• Proficiency in using Geneious, Benchling, and SmartSheet platforms.
• An ideal candidate will have familiarity with gene editing and high throughput screening technologies
• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $128,000.00 to $160,000.00 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.

Benefits

At SonoThera, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

💰 Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company.

🏋🏻 Access to a 24-hour gym

💝 Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

🚗 Commuting stipend based on your geographical location

🏦 401(k) Match: SonoThera offers a dollar-for-dollar match

🏝 All full-time employees are eligible for our flexible time off policy

 

Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.