Scientist Mucosal Biology/In vivo Biology

Position Title: Scientist Mucosal Biology/ In vivo Biology

Reports to: Sr. Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer, Microbiome

Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt

Location: SouthSan Francisco, CA

About Assembly: Assembly Biosciences (NASDAQ symbol ASMB) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing two innovative platform programs: a Hepatitis B-Cure program consisting of a new class of oral therapeutic candidates for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and a novel class of oral synthetic live biotherapeutic candidates, which are designed to treat disorders associated with the Microbiome. We pride ourselves on creating a culture and work environment that is scientifically driven, ambitious, and collaborative. We encourage diversity of thought that leads to great innovation and are looking to add to our dynamic team great people who are driven to transform the lives of patients.

We believe our Microbiome platform represents the best in class approach to developing biopharmaceutical agents from live biotherapeutic products. ABI-M201, our lead program in ulcerative colitis, is currently in IND enabling studies and is expected to enter the clinic in 2019. This program is part of a broader partnership we established with Allergan in 2017 for GI programs with a potential total development and commercial milestones of up to $2.8 billion. Our internal pipeline will represent first in class or best in class microbiome approaches in areas such as immuno-oncology, liver diseases, and other areas of high medical need.

Assembly is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, while the R&D headquarters is in South San Francisco. The Company also has a microbiome manufacturing facility in Groton, CT, and a research office in Shanghai, China. Assembly has a strong balance sheet having raised approximately $166 million in July 2018, thus positioned well to build the next phase of Assembly toward global development and commercialization of our innovative medicines in HBV-cure and the Microbiome.

Summary: The Scientist Mucosal Biology/ In vivo Biology will have industry experience and deep expertise in Mucosal/ In vivo Biology. Working as a key member of the research biology group, the scientist will work collaboratively with cross-functional R&D teams and will bring strong bench capabilities with in vitro and in vivo immunology models. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with multiple facets of in vitro assays and relevant animal models, strong interpersonal skills and enjoy creatively solving problems in a team environment.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and conduct state-of-the art laboratory experiments using cell-based assays and in vivo disease models with cellular & molecular analytical tools
• Develop and implement discovery methodologies for identification of PD/biomarkers and PK/PD activities for candidate therapeutics
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare reports and present results at internal team meetings and to senior management.
• Contribute technical expertise and scientific insights from immunology, mucosal biology and disease physiology to experimental strategies

Qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology, cancer biology or biology with postdoctoral experience
• 2-4 years' experience working in pharma or biotech
• Strong knowledge of immunology and/or mucosal biology, and direct experience in at least one major human therapeutic area required: e.g. inflammation, autoimmunity, immuno-oncology, hepatology or other
• Experience with preclinical drug discovery and target discovery & validation
• Evidence of independent and rigorous scientific capabilities and accomplishments, including publications and presentations at conferences, must be able to deliver high-quality research results on timelines
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, innovative and creative in solving critical path research problems
• Must have demonstrated hands-on expertise with in vitro assays using primary cells and cell lines and in vivo animal efficacy models used for inflammation, autoimmunity, immuno-oncology or other relevant diseases. Experience with flow cytometry-based immune cell phenotyping of in vivo samples preferred
• Proven ability to design, coordinate and oversee in vivo studies with external CROs and collaborators
• Experience with PK/PD modeling and in vivo pharmacology assessments in a discovery research context
• Strong expertise with primary cell and tissue isolation methodologies preferred, experience with histology and immunohistochemistry a plus
• Expertise in data analysis and presentation software: MS PowerPoint, Word, Excel, GraphPad Prism
• Excellent communication, oral presentation and written skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and motivated individual who can swiftly change priorities in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment
• Goal-oriented and with the ability to deliver on timelines and commitments

AAP/EEO Statement
Assembly Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.