Senior Scientist, Target Validation & Exploratory Biology

Do you pride yourself on using your ingenuity to solve complex problems? Verge Genomics is seeking a creative and driven Sr. Scientist to help us develop model systems, robust assays, and prosecute the best targets discovered with Verge’s novel computational platform. You will serve as a key link between our computational and drug discovery teams, by investigating targets unearthed by our genomics platform. You will help design and characterize appropriate cell models to test in, and advance targets in available models to unearth their mechanism of action (MOA) and potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

The perfect candidate will have successfully established novel neurodegenerative disease cell models (human iPSC-derived models in particular), successfully used those models to interrogate novel targets that have advanced from discovery to development, and have a passion for genomics-driven drug discovery. 2021 will be an exciting year for Verge, and if you’re motivated to work in a start-up environment on collaborative and dynamic teams, now is a great time to join to be a vital part of our success. 

What you’ll do … 

1. Establish and profile new cell models and cell-based assays suitable for investigating target biology in ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases
2. Develop clear biological hypotheses for multiple novel target genes, select appropriate assays, then establish and validate their mechanism of action (MOA) in cell models
3. Work cross-functionally with computational biologists, neurobiologists, chemists, intellectual property experts, and business development to make strategic target recommendations
4. Propose additional mechanisms and disease indications with putative targets and nominate related biological targets through a deep understanding of the literature
5. Serve as an internal domain expert for top biological mechanisms, disease models, and cell-based assays in the field 

You have … 

• 5+ years experience in neurobiology-related gene function investigation, preferably in an industry setting
• A PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or related discipline (neurodegeneration experience preferred)
• Complex human disease model (iPSC-derived, primary cell, co-cultures, organoids, etc.) generation and characterization experience
• Phenotypic assay development experience, especially with high content imaging and electrophysiology (MEA) technologies
• Experience with functional genomics tools (CRISPR, RNAi, transgenes, lentivirus, etc.)
• Experience working with genomics, human genetics, and next-generation sequencing datasets, ideally in collaboration with computational teams
• Previous work leading early discovery programs with novel target identification and validation responsibilities
• A willingness to roll up your sleeves and be resourceful
• Strategic, “systems-level,” and “outside-the-box” mindset and enjoy understanding how pieces fit together in the larger scientific and competitive landscape

Perks and benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Healthcare FSA
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401k 
• Unlimited PTO
• Free lunch and snacks
• Free on-site gym access (currently restricted due to COVID)

More about Verge Genomics

Verge Genomics is a next-generation biopharmaceutical start-up using human genomics to accelerate development of life-saving treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Our platform uses patient tissue profiling, human genetics, and machine learning to identify new therapeutic gene targets, predict effective drugs, and stratify patient subpopulations for increased clinical success. Verge's approach offers a breakthrough opportunity to identify drugs that dramatically improve patient outcomes and fundamentally lower the cost curve of pharmaceutical development.

Currently, it takes on average 12 years and $2.6 billion to get a single drug to market, with the drug discovery and development process costing $1.4 billion. Verge Genomics has raised $51 million in venture capital to change this broken model by fueling the drug discovery pipeline with machine learning.

Verge actively seeks a diverse applicant pool in order to build the strongest possible workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.