Senior Research Associate

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc. (“4DMT”) is a clinical-stage gene therapy company pioneering the development of product candidates using targeted and evolved AAV vectors. 4DMT seeks to unlock the full potential of gene therapy using its platform, Therapeutic Vector Evolution, which combines the power of directed evolution with approximately one billion synthetic capsid sequences to invent evolved vectors for use in targeted gene therapy products. The company is initially focused in three therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. The 4DMT targeted and evolved vectors are invented with the goal of being delivered through clinically routine, well-tolerated and minimally invasive routes of administration, transducing diseased cells in target tissues efficiently, having reduced immunogenicity and, where relevant, having resistance to pre-existing antibodies. 4DMT is currently conducting three clinical trials: 4D-125 is in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for XLRP, 4D-110 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for Choroideremia and 4D-310 is in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for Fabry disease.
 
4DMT is focused on attracting and retaining the best people in the industry who identify with our mission and innovative results-driven approach. We offer an inspiring and collaborative environment that encourages individual contributions, recognizes performance in multiple ways, offers competitive salary and benefits, and provides challenging opportunities for career development.  4D Molecular Therapeutics is located in Emeryville, CA.
 
GENERAL SUMMARY:
4DMT is in need of a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our R&D team in supporting our viral drug therapy research efforts as we contribute to the future of gene therapeutics. The position will combine modern molecular and cell biology methods with scalable production processes to inform and improve discovery and experimental design in conjunction with 4DMT’s proprietary discovery platform.
This position will involve new protocol development and execution in the areas of AAV plasmid construction, high-throughput AAV production, purification and characterization, and cell-based optimization of payload biology.   This highly-collaborative position will require close interaction on multiple projects within the Bioinformatics group to explore the wetlab aspects of computationally-derived hypotheses, and across the Discovery & Engineering department, including capsid discovery, payload engineering, and viral manufacturing. This position will also collaborate on cross-functional projects with additional groups within R&D and across the company, including HCDM, CMC, and Translational Medicine. As part of this cross-functional work, employee will be expected to attend and actively engage in working group and project team meetings.
Responsibilities

• 4DMT is in need of a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Bioinformatics team in supporting our viral drug therapy research efforts as we contribute to the future of gene therapeutics. The position will combine modern molecular and cell biology methods with scalable production processes to inform and improve discovery and experimental design in conjunction with 4DMT’s proprietary discovery platform.


• This position will involve new protocol development and execution in the areas of AAV plasmid construction, high-throughput AAV production, purification and characterization, and cell-based optimization of payload biology.   This highly-collaborative position will require close interaction on multiple projects within the Bioinformatics group to explore the wetlab aspects of computationally-derived hypotheses, and across the Discovery & Engineering department, including capsid discovery, payload engineering, and viral manufacturing. This position will also collaborate on cross-functional projects with additional groups within R&D and across the company, including HCDM, CMC, and Translational Medicine. As part of this cross-functional work, employee will be expected to attend and actively engage in working group and project team meetings.

Responsibilities

• Research – 100% of Time
• Demonstrating innovative design, development, and execution of research projects through expertise and scientific teamwork
• Contributing to the design, implementation, and interpretation of the results of experimental studies
• Leveraging a strong understanding of gene therapy principles to design, assess and interpret experimental data, then using the results to inform the selection of the optimal product strategy
• Maintaining current awareness of scientific literature
• Actively applying new concepts and technologies
• Leading and supporting research initiatives such as new technology development and platform improvement projects
• Writing study reports and manuscripts and presenting results at scientific meetings
• Molecular biology in support of:
• AAV Library construction
• Monitoring of selections
• Novel screening strategies
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) sample prep and MiSeq operation
• Nextera resequencing of plasmids and AAV genomes
• Refine and execute proprietary NGS-based assays for AAV sequence integrity and purity
• Maintaining compliance with company Environmental Health and Safety policies, procedures, and practices
• Contributing to building a culture that embraces continuous learning, improvement, and innovation and encourages team members to expand their technical skill base and deepen their gene therapy expertise.

Qualifications

• BS/MS with a molecular and/or cell biology focus Experience:
Experience:

• 5+ years industry experience
• Strong molecular biology experience, both hands-on as well as the ability to design and analyze sequence data using common software such as Geneious
• Extensive cell culture experience, with work in a plate-based format a plus
• Familiarity with NGS sample prep a plus
Skills:

• Successful demonstrated ability to conduct research with strong attention to detail and rigorous analysis and interpretation of data
• Ability to handle large-scale and parallel experiments in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to multi-task and support more than one project simultaneously
•  Highly organized and motivated; strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong work ethic, flexibility, and cooperative can-do attitude
• Proven interest and ability to build a culture that embraces continuous learning, improvement, and innovation
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team-based environment; supportive of multiple viewpoints and approaches
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral) with demonstrated ability to present ideas, information and data effectively via one on one discussions, team meetings, and external partnership interactions
Physical Requirements of the Role:

•  During COVID-19 will this person need to be in a lab? Yes
• How many days will be required? Full time
•  Adhere to 4DMT Covid protocols and policy

4DMT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran and any other category protected under applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities